Chapter 74

Katie spent the next few days exploring New York and relaxing. Thursday morning, as she slumbered away, the front door opened quietly as Jon tiptoed into the penthouse. Not seeing any lights on he made his way to the bedroom. He had told Katie he would be arriving in the early afternoon, but he had managed to catch an early morning flight and arrive before the hustle and bustle of the day started. He made his way to the bedroom where he found her sound asleep, the sun barely peaking over the horizon. Setting his bag down, he took off his shoes and jeans, tossing his shirt to the side. He pulled the covers back slowly and crawled in between the sheets, laying next to Katie. She moaned softly in her sleep as she turned over and snuggled against his chest, a slight smile on her lips. Jon listened to her slow breathing, feeling her relaxed weight in his arms. Slowly pulling her closer into his embrace, he closed his own eyes letting sleep claim him.

A few hours later Katie stirred, first noticing something a bit scratchy against her check, then noticing a familiar scent. Opening her eyes she found herself wrapped in Jon's arms and her head laying on his chest. She smiled, enjoying the feeling of having him next to her. She brought her hand to his chest, running her fingers lightly through the sliver fur. She could feel the full length of his body against hers and knew there was nothing between him and the sheets. The thought caused all kind of thoughts to swirl around in her head. Smiling to herself she sat up slowly, taking in the view of his naked torso partially covered with the sheet. She let out a small sigh as she thought about how much she had missed him. What a nice surprise it was waking up in his arms. She then decided to give him her own surprise.

She slowly pulled the sheet back, revealing the rest of his magnificent physique. Smiling to herself, she leaned over and ran her lips softly over his cock, taking him fully into her mouth. As it began to grow, Jon stirred, the feeling of her hot mouth on him bringing him fully awake. He lifted his head looking down only to find a curtain of dark tresses obscuring his view.

He let out a groan, "Oh, baby. Way to wake me up." At this point his cock was fully erect and he felt the heat spreading throughout his body as she continued her sweet assault. Katie tilted her head to the side and smiled at him, then continued her quest. His body tensing, Jon let the waves of pleasure wash over him as she ran her lips over the tip of his cock down to his balls, gently taking each one in her mouth before devouring his full length once again.

Katie could tell he was getting close as he plunged his hands into her hair, "Oh baby, God. please suck me dry. God Kat, you're so good."

She felt his body tense one final time as he exploded in her mouth. She massaged his balls and milked every lost drop of cum from his cock before she sat up, a satisfied grin on her face.

Jon finally opened his eyes, "Damn, baby. That is quite the welcome home." He rolled onto his side, resting his head on his hand and smiled at her, his gaze steady.

"Not as nice of a surprise as waking up in your arms, cowboy." She said, leaning toward him giving him a quick kiss on the lips before flopping down on her back. "I missed you so much." She whispered as she put her arms around his neck and pulled him to her.

He buried his face in her hair breathing in her scent. "God, Kat. I missed you. I couldn't get here soon enough."

They talked about the week as they woke up. Jon finally sat up, and giving Katie a quick peck on the top of her head, left the room, still naked. She enjoyed the view for a moment before following him into the kitchen. He rummaged through the cabinet until he found the coffee and started a pot brewing. She sat at the island and watched him, imagining how awesome it was going to be waking up with this every morning. Jon looked up at her returning the smile. She looked out the window then, her face clouding over a bit.

Jon noticed the change in her expression and sat down next to her, taking her hand in his. "I know what you're thinking, Kat." She turned toward him, her green eyes reflecting a million thoughts. "When the stars align at the right time, fate has a way of working things out. Don't let uncertainty weigh you down. It is all doable. Don't forget that."

"No worries, cowboy. I am not doubting anything. Not at all. Anything worth having in this life, will not always be easy." She reassured him. "Sometimes I just get reflective. It is like a mountain. It can be a bit of work, and one can get a bit tired. But once one gets to the top, the view is worth every bit of effort it took to get there. I know we will have some work to do, but we will work through it. And I have no doubt it will be worth it." Her expression serious, she said, "I have never wanted anything more than I want this, to spend every day I can with you, for the rest of my life, Jon."

Jon only smiled and kissed the back of her hand. He wished he could show her how it would all fall into place. Truthfully he, himself, didn't know specifics. But he would do whatever he could to make this work for everyone involved. His smile put her mind somewhat at ease and her thoughts turned to more important matters.

"So, should we have breakfast or lunch?" She asked, looking at the clock. It was almost noon and her stomach was growling loudly.

"How about breakfast? I can cook you up a mean omelet." Jon said, looking for a pan.

Katie laughed, "Sounds good, but you better put some clothes on before you hurt yourself. That stove gets hot."

"Good idea. I shall return." Jon chuckled as he went to the bedroom to throw on a pair of gym shorts. Upon his return he proceeded to whip up a breakfast feast unlike anything Katie had seen all week. Being of a relaxed mind, she had ordered in all week. Coffee, omelets, hash browns and sausage were laid out in front of her on the kitchen table. Jon served Katie and then sat down to enjoy the savory meal.

After they finished eating and showering, Jon suggested going for a drive, but wouldn't elaborate on where. Katie agreed, wondering where he was taking her. They headed down to the lobby where Chrisoph had left Jon's black BWM running. Jon held the door for her, then went around to the driver's side. The headed out of the city, towards Jersey.

As the skyline of New York got smaller and smaller, Katie inquired, "Ok, now can you tell me where we are going?" The wind whipped her ponytail around since Jon had the top down on the car.

"To my own shore, shall we say." And with that he smiled and continued to drive, one hand on the wheel, the other on her knee. Content with that answer, she sat back and enjoyed the wind on her face as they flew down the Parkway. After driving a while, the buildings and smoke stacks gave way to trees and grassy expanses of land, Jon exited off the turnpike onto a quiet road. Katie had since figured out they were going to the Jersey shore, and she was right as the ocean became visible in the distance. They drove through a small, quaint town, took one more turn and eventually parked the car in a small parking lot, the beach just ahead.

Katie took in a deep breath of sea air, "Nice." She said, looking around. Jon got out of the car, reaching in the back for the picnic lunch he asked Christoph to order, then headed to the passenger side as he held the door for Katie.

One hand on the basket, the other holding hers, Jon led the way to the shore. Katie kicked off her sneakers when they reached the sand. A warm breeze blew and small waves lapped against the shore. Still a little early in the season, not many were at the beach yet. School was still in session for another couple of weeks, and the water was still a bit cool for vacationers. They had the beach mostly to themselves. They walked a bit. Jon finally stopped setting the basket down, then pulled out a light blanket from the basket and spread it on the sand. Katie sat on the blanket as Jon rummaged through the basket. He produced a bottle of wine and plastic cups. He popped open the bottle, poured a glass and handed it to her.

After pouring his own he held his glass up, "To all the wonderful tomorrows." He said, lightly clinking glasses with her. Katie nodded in agreement and took a sip of the sweet, dry liquid.

They sipped their wine and listened to the water. Katie put her glass in the sand next to the blanket and laid her head in Jon's lap. He smiled down at her and stroked her hair, quiet for a moment.

"So talk to me, baby. I know we have a lot to figure out. But I want to start planning the next phase. What do you say? Are you up for it?" He asked, tentatively. He didn't want to rush her, but he was a planner. He could relax for a while, but he always liked to move forward. He wanted to start figuring out when, where, how. He wanted her as his wife and it couldn't be soon enough.

Katie knew he would want to discuss plans once he got back. And she did, too. But true to her nature, when something presented itself as a big jumble of things that needed figuring out, it was just as easy for her to get lost in the moment and push everything else to the back burner until later. Even though she might rather sit and listen to the waves as she rested in his lap, she knew he was right.

Sitting up she took a sip of her wine and nodded, "Yes, I am ready. Let's talk. What do you want to talk about first?" She let out a sigh.

Jon looked into her eyes, leaned over and kissed her deeply. Pulling back eventually, he said, "I want to know when, baby. When will you let me claim you as my wife?"

"Whew. You cut right to the chase, don't you, cowboy." She said, laughing.

"Kat, I would take you away this weekend and marry you, if you would let me. But I know there is more involved than just us. I want to give you the day you have always dreamed of." He said, seriously. "So tell me, what do you want our wedding day to be like?"

She was quiet for a moment, thoughtful. "I envision us getting married quietly. Our closest family and a few friends. Nothing huge and elaborate. No media. Just small and simple. I really want the day to be about us, no big hoopla." She said, "What do you think?"

He nodded slowly, an idea forming, "What about Rockport?" He blurted out.

Katie looked at him, "Yes...Yes! Jon, that would be perfect!" She exclaimed, sitting up on her knees. She mulled the idea over in her head for a second and threw her arms around his neck. "That would be just perfect."

Jon set his glass down and wrapped his own arms around her tightly. She sat back after a moment, her eyes dancing, all the uncertainty faded away. Excitement took over and she started throwing out ideas as Jon smiled and nodded, ready to agree with anything she decided.

Finally taking a breath, she looked at him and sighed, "Jon, I just love you." she said, as she looked at him.

"I love you, too, baby. Now we have where, can we pick when?" he prodded her gently.

Her brow furrowed, she said, "When could be a bit more difficult." she said, thoughtful, "There is so much to work out."

He could see the slight panic in her eyes once again. As much as he would prefer sooner rather than later, he tossed out an idea. "How about around your birthday?" he figured that wasn't too soon, but also not too far away. Plus it was a beautiful time of year.

Katie thought for a moment, "That isn't a bad idea. That would give us some time to figure out everything. And it is my favorite month."

Not letting her think on it too long, he stated, "Ok, then. October it is. Let's say the 17th?" He offered, waiting.

Digesting his idea, not finding any reason to disagree, she nodded slowly. "Ok, that could work."

"Then Oct. 17th it is, in Rockport. That is the day you will become mine for all eternity." he said, dramatically as he downed the glass of wine.

Katie threw her head back and laughed. "Correction, that is the day I brand you as my love slave, cowboy!"

"Honey, you have already branded me." He growled as he moved in lightly nibbling on her neck. She collapsed on the blanket in giggles as he tickled her neck, ear and finally covering her mouth with his.

Chapter 75