Chapter 73

After watching movies all afternoon, Katie decided to take another bath and read. She hadn't had such a decadent day in ages. Just as she powered the TV off her cell phone rang. She smiled when she recognized Jon's number.

"Hey, baby." Jon greeted her, his voice, smooth and sexy, brought a smile to her lips. That voice still had the same effect on her as it used to when he sung her to sleep at night. She liked having the live version much better, however.

"Hi yourself." She said, stretching her legs out.

"How are you doing, relaxing I hope?" He asked, trying to imagine what she was doing right now.

Katie let a yawn escape as she wandered into the kitchen in search of a quick dinner. "I am. The most strenuous thing I did all day was a quick run. The rest has consisted of baths, books and chick flicks."

"Mmm, baths. That sounds nice, baby. Wish I could join you. But then I couldn't promise you would get much rest." He chuckled, his imagination running a little wild.

"I wish you could, too, cowboy. I would gladly give up my book in favor of your company. What is going on with you this weekend?" She asked, nibbling on a piece of cheese.

"Not much today, but I have a performance tomorrow and then the last one on Tuesday. Hopefully it will result in lots of donations. But truthfully, I am about ready for a break." He admitted. As much as he loved touring, his thoughts had not always been on the job this time around. Life had taken a whole other turn, and he was anxious to have some more free time to spend with Katie and plan the next phase of their lives together.

"Then what is left? You go back the week after, right? How many more shows?" She inquired. She was ready for the tour to be over as well.

"Yeah, back that next week and then three more shows. We head back up to Philly and then wind it up in Jersey. Frankly, baby, I am ready." He sighed.

"You sound tired. You should take some of your own advice and take a break, some time for yourself, too." She suggested.

"Maybe. But honestly, Kat, time with you is relaxing to me. My mind works on overtime most of the time, so anything away from work is rejuvenating."

"I know you thrive on work, Jon, but even you need to do something for yourself." She did worry about him sometimes. She knew he was used to a fast pace and frenzied tour schedule. Who was she to argue. He was made a bit differently than she was. She needed some down time or it started to wear on her, started to show around the edges.

"I will, ok? I promise. But for now I am looking forward to seeing you in a few days. I miss you, baby." He said, his voice low.

"Miss you, too. This place isn't quite the same without you here. But I am enjoying the solitude for a few days. I wouldn't like any more than that, though."

"Well, you keep relaxing and just enjoy. I will be back soon enough. I am going to let you go take that bath, but think of me while you enjoy those bubbles, ok?"

"I promise, cowboy." She whispered. "I love you."

"A few more days and I will show you how much I love you, baby. Sweet dreams." he said, then she heard a dial tone. Taking her plate and glass of wine, she made her way to the bathroom.


The late afternoon sun warmed Becca as she lay on the beach blanket, her book perched on one hand as the other supported her chin. David was out doing a bit of surfing before they went to dinner. They had spent the remainder of the day lounging by the ocean, taking walks and being waited on by the resort staff. Letting out a sigh, Becca rolled over to her back, her sun hat falling to the side. She could see David out in the waves. She thought he was looking her way so she waved a lazy arm at him. Her suspicion was confirmed as he waved back. She saw him then head in towards shore. She laid her head back to enjoy a few more moments of the suns warmth on her face. She opened her eyes a few moments later and was greeted with a dripping David looking down at her, smiling. He moved in closer to steal a kiss, his hair dripping drops of water on her.

"Hey, that is cold." She scolded. He laughed and laid down next to her, rolling her up in his arms, getting her even more wet.

"I can think of another way to get you all wet, if you prefer." He teased.

He was incorrigible, she thought. She never would have known this side of him from just watching him on stage. He was so funny and such a tease.

She shook her finger at him, "No doubt, but I think it is close to dinner time for this chick." She said, planting a light kiss on his lips. She then rested her head on his shoulder, feeling his strong arms wrapped around her. He was so yummy, she thought. If she wasn't hungry, she would have taken him up on his offer.

"Alright. What do you say we go get cleaned up and find some dinner? Maybe check out the resort restaurant?" He suggested.

"Perfect." She agreed as they stood up and gathered their belongings.

After they showered, David waited downstairs for Becca. He sat on the floral wicker sofa and listened to the waves until he heard her soft footsteps on the stairs. turning around he forgot to breath for a second as he took in the sight of her. Becca had changed into a blue strapless dress that hugged her breasts and flared out from the waist, hitting just above her knees. Her blond hair was held back with a silver clip and her cheeks glowed from the afternoon in the sun.

"Wow! Becca, you look fabulous." He said, openly appreciating the view.

She smiled, pleased at his reaction. Unlike Katie, who didn't take outward praise as well, Becca welcomed it. She took a minute to admire David in his casual attire, a light blue shirt, un-tucked, with khakis and flip flops. He looked relaxed and ready for a fun evening. Taking her hand he led her out the front door. They walked down the beach following it to the restaurant. The host seated them at a private table on the beach away from the main dining room. As they waited for their drinks, Becca kicked her sandals off feeling the sand between her toes, then ran her foot up the inside of David's calf, a sly smile on her face. David smiled back, his eyes full of promises for later in the evening. He was having so much fun with her, learning more about her. He was really enjoying this saucy side of her, he really had not had the opportunity to see it much before this weekend.

The waiter brought their drinks and took their order. They talked and enjoyed a quiet dinner.

After the waiter cleared away their dishes, David asked, "Well, what would milady like to do now?" He knew what he wanted to do.

But that would have to wait as Becca suggested, "I hear music over that way. Lets go see where it is. Maybe we can go dancing." She said, a big smile on her face.

He sighed to himself, but smiled in return, "Sure. Just don't wear yourself out too much." He said, with a wink.

She tossed her napkin at him as she stood up and began walking away. David got up, easily catching up with her. Hand in hand they found the source of the music, a night club on the other side of the restaurant. An upbeat island sound pulsated from the dance floor where a few vacationers danced to a small band. They took a seat at the bar and ordered drinks, Becca settling on wine while David deciding on a mai tai. After their drinks were served, they took a few sips before Becca jumped off her stool and pulled David towards the dance floor, a sultry look on her face. David laughed, but followed. The song was a slow one, so they swayed to the rhythm. The next one revved up the beat and Becca pushed away from David, her hands freeing her hair from it's clip, then shook it out as she kept time to the music. David moved in closer to her, taking her hand and swung her around, as the others moved back a bit giving them space. They tangoed to the song, as everyone started clapping to the beat, watching them. David swung her around as she kept up with him perfectly, dancing like they had done this many times. When the song finished, the whole club erupted into applause. Neither of them shy, they both gave a deep bow and headed back to the bar, laughing.

"Whew!" Becca said as she sat down, her hair floating around her shoulders.

"Dang, Becca. You can dance." He said, smiling at her, a bit tipsy from the tropical drink. Seeing that was worth being put on hold, he thought.

"Well, thank you. You aren't bad yourself, Mr. Piano Man." She teased. "I thought it was all about the keys, if you please. Your sure can move!"

"I have many talents." He teased. "If you let me, I can show you a few later."

She tipped her head with a slight nod, "I will count on that." Tease, she thought. But damn, she loved it!


Katie finally decided to emerge from the penthouse on Monday and take a walk around the city, her camera in hand. Keith didn't give away any surprise at finally seeing her, he simply greeted her, "Morning, Ms. McKenzie. Beautiful day." He said as he opened the door for her.

"Thank you, Keith. Yes, it is. I will be back later." She chirped, happy to see the sun.

"Very good. Enjoy." he nodded.

She dived into the flow of people, making her way to the little bakery down the street. She figured she would start her day with a fancy coffee and pastry, then see what New York had to offer. After breakfast, the pedestrian traffic had let up, everyone most likely at work by then. She walked around snapping pictures of the city scenes, enjoying the energy of the city. After two days of lounging and sleeping, she felt revived and renewed. She would have to remember to thank Jon for pushing her to do this. It was doing her a world of good. She ended her day with dinner at a little bistro not far from the penthouse, seated under an awning outside. As she nibbled on her salad she thought about the last year and the last few weeks. The few days of shutting out the world, and turning off her brain had really worked to clear her head. For the first time in the last year she realized her life did feel as it should. It had been a crazy year, but she was adjusting and couldn't imagine being where she had been a year ago. Then she had been ready to self destruct at any moment. Jon had come along, and even though he had taken her on a whirlwind ride this past year, life was just as it should be, she thought. It finally felt like it fit. Maybe she had just needed a few days to let her mind catch up with everything. She was excited to see Jon on Wednesday. She was excited to see where their path took them on this next phase. It was going to be interesting, no doubt. She had no idea how they would figure it all out. But she knew in her heart that they would. She now had no doubts what so ever. She sat back and sipped her wine, watching the street activity as the sun sunk behind the New York skyline.

Chapter 74