Author's Note

It is with a sad and heavy heart that I sit here and write this to you, my gentle readers. Frannie and Jon are going on hiatus. I'm not happy with where this story is going at this point and I need to figure out how to get them back on track. A rewrite may come at some point, right now though I am not sure. Thank you to all that have read and left a comment. I appreciate it more than you know.

If any of you are interested, I have a new Jon story and you can find it here Sweet Dreams. My hope is that this story of Cilla and Jon will stay on track and not veer to the left where Jon and Frannie got totally lost.

Again, I am sorry to all of you that have been following along with Jon and Frannie. I do hope to get back to it at some point.

Thanks to all of you...

Chapter 48

Frannie slipped off the bed and started to put the lids on the pots of paint and gathered the brushes. Jon opened his eyes, "what're you doing baby?" She tightened the lid on one of the pots, "cleaning up a little." Jon quirked an eyebrow, "why, are we done with art class?" Frannie smiled, "you want an extra credit project?" He nodded as he moved from the bed, "sure, come with me Ms. Daniels." She grabbed the other pot of paint and followed Jon into the bathroom.

Frannie set her things on the counter as Jon adjusted the water. While the tub was filling Jon reached up and took the clip from Frannie's hair, letting the dark mass tumble down around her shoulders. Standing behind her he caught her eye in the mirror, "you'll have to show me how, I've never painted anything before." He watched as her eyes darkened and the color in her cheeks heightened. "You think you can do that for me baby?" She could only nod her head, the soft cadence of his voice adding to her already aroused state.

He reached around and opened the few buttons she had done up on her shirt and slid it from her shoulders. Her nipples were already hard and he could see her need for him glistening at her center. He slid his arms around her, his hands cupping her breasts, his thumbs lightly caressing the hard tips. Frannie's eyes drifted shut and she leaned back against him, letting his touch take her. When she felt his mouth on her she opened her eyes and turned her head, meeting his mouth with hers. She tasted faintly of chocolate, cherry and him. Jon pulled his mouth from hers, "let's get in the tub." He turned them and helped her in before sliding in behind her.

Jon reached for the paintbrushes and the two pots of paint. He turned back to Frannie, "sit on the edge for me?" Frannie settled herself on the wide edge at the one side of the large tub. Jon took the chocolate paint, dipped the brush and waited. Frannie watched, "what are you waiting for?" Jon smirked, "for you to tell me what to do?" Frannie closed her eyes, "where do you want to put the paint?" He moved in front of her, "anywhere you want me to." She took a deep breath, "Put the brush on my shoulder and lightly drag it down to my breast." He did as she said, lightly drawing the brush over her skin, leaving a trail of chocolate to her nipple, where he teased the nipple and left a circle of chocolate.

"Now what?" He waited expectantly. She opened her eyes to find his deep blue ones trained on her, "dip the brush and do the same thing on the other shoulder." He did as he was told and this time when he got to her nipple he kept his touch so light she nearly whined. "Oh god Jon." He looked up at her, "what's the matter baby?" She shook her head, "no-nothing." He finished and set the brush down, "now what?" He was admiring his handiwork when she finally answered him, "lick the paint off."

Jon smiled, "I was hoping that part came next." He leaned in and, starting at her shoulder, gently licked and stroked his way down to her breast, lightly circling her nipple before sucking it into his mouth, using his tongue to make sure he got all the chocolate off. When he took her other nipple into his mouth her release washed over her. She trembled under him as he finished licking the chocolate away. Reaching over he picked up the paint brush and dipped it again. "Now what?"

Frannie wasn't sure she could take anymore, but when she opened her eyes and saw Jon waiting for her answer, she shifted her position and found herself answering him, "stroke the brush up my leg." He picked up her leg and started at her ankle, stroking up, circling the side of her knee, lightly brushing up the inside of her thigh, stopping just short of her mound. "Any where else?" Frannie opened her mouth but she couldn't make any her tongue work. She reached for his hand. He stopped her, "uh-uh, talk to me baby, tell me what you want."

Frannie tried again to tell him, "my clit Jon, stroke the brush over me, please." She leaned back against the wall as he moved her legs apart, the brush barely touching her as he moved it across her. Her hips jerked and he pulled the brush back, "Frannie?" She whimpered, "please don't stop." He stroked the brush over her again, this time with slightly more pressure. She was so close, "more Jon, please."

He set the brush down, "I think its time for me to clean up my mess." Her eyes flew open when she felt his mouth on her ankle, he worked his way up her leg, making sure to get every last bit of chocolate. When he got to her inner thigh she thought she was going to burst. His tongue coasted over her, cleaning the paint from every nook, leaving her trembling. When his mouth closed over the swollen nub her hips arched and she screamed through her orgasm. He eased back from her, his cock achingly hard.

"Come here baby" he pulled her down into the water and on to his aching shaft. He helped her move on him, his hands at her hips moving her up and down. Their mouths met and he pulled her down onto him one last time and she felt him explode inside her.

Chapter 47

The empty dishes sat stacked on the tray that was being wheeled to the door. Sliding the t-shirt back on, Frannie parked the cart outside their door, locking it as she turned back to the room. The bottle of wine and two glasses sat on the table, waiting for the last sips to be taken. Jon had slid into a pair of sweatpants and stepped out onto the balcony for a cigarette.

Taking advantage of these few precious moments, she dug her bag and pulled out a very old, large man’s dress shirt and two small pots. She disposed of the t-shirt, twisted her hair up like she did while she worked, slid into the battered dress shirt and buttoned a couple of the buttons. It had paint stains on it along with chalk smears and charcoal stains; it was her work smock. The pots, they held flavored body paint, one chocolate and one cherry.

She worked quickly, loosening the tops on the pots, pulling the blankets back on the bed, getting a towel. She was just refilling their wine glasses when Jon came back in. “Hey ba…” he trailed off when he saw how she was dressed. “What’s with the shirt?” She turned and he recognized it as her painting smock. He raised an eyebrow, wondering what she was up to but didn’t say anything more. He just watched.

Picking up the wineglasses she handed him one and sipped from the other, “the sweatpants need to go babe.” He set the glass down and kicked off his pants, “now what?” She picked up a paint brush, “now I get my turn.” He grinned and picked up his wineglass, taking a sip as she stroked the brush up and down his arm. “Lay on the bed for me?” He did as she asked, watching as she picked up a small pot and the paint brush. “What’s that?” She grinned, “paint. I’ve been telling you I wanted to paint you, haven’t I?” He looked slightly unsure, “it washes off, right?”

She didn’t answer, just dipped the brush in the chocolate paint and drew a circle around his nipple. The cool of the paint mixed with the light touch of the brush had his nipple puckering instantly. Frannie leaned in and lapped up the paint with her tongue, brushing across the hardened point before pulling back. “Mmmm, tastes good.” She repeated the sweet torture on his other nipple before stroking a line lightly down his chest, his stomach, around his navel.

She sat back on her heels, looking at her handy work, looking at him. Jon’s eyes were closed and he was just waiting for her mouth to be on him. He wanted to feel her tongue stroking over his skin. Frannie straddled him, leaned down and with just the tip of her tongue she started at his chest, lapping up the sweet chocolate paint, following the line down his body, across the ripped muscles of his abs, circling and dipping into his navel. She could feel his erection pressing at her as she moved lower, could feel her own wetness as her tongue traveled down his body.

Maneuvering herself so she was straddling only one leg, she picked up the second pot of paint, the cherry flavored and with the paint brush, covered his straining member with the sweet paint. She felt him tremble under her as she stroked the brush over him, “jesus baby” he groaned as she swirled the soft brush across his over-sensitized skin. When she dipped the brush down to his balls he thought he was going to come right then.

Frannie looked up and saw the sweat bead on his upper lip as he fought for control. Setting the paint and brush aside she slid her tongue up and down the length of him, savoring his flavor as it mixed with the sweet taste of the paint.

When she took him into her mouth he knew he wasn’t going to last and as he felt his dick hit the back of her throat he arched from the bed, “baby… I’m…oh… FUCK!” He exploded in her mouth, his hips thrusting against her as she took everything he had. Pulling her mouth from him, Frannie kissed the insides of his thighs before moving up next to him. His eyes were still closed and his breathing was becoming slightly less ragged. “Are you okay?” Jon turned his head, “oh yeah. You can paint me anytime you want baby.”

Chapter 46

The cart of food sat, forgotten next to the bed, as Jon crawled back in next to Frannie. She was still lying there, waiting for him. She had pulled her shirt down and Jon frowned, “you moved.”

She looked over at him, “I didn’t want to give the room steward a free show.” He smiled, “okay, I’ll let it go this time.” He pushed the shirt up and off of her now, letting his gaze roam over her.

He picked up the paint brush again, stroking the whisper soft bristles across her stomach and up, under the curve of her breast. He stroked her softly, working his way up, circling the hardened tip, making it pucker further.

Leaning in, he took the pebble hard point in his mouth, wetting it, teasing it. Pulling back, he blew on it gently, “Jon.” He looked up; Frannie was gazing down at him, her face awash with pleasure. “Baby, please” she begged. He shook his head, “oh no baby, not yet.”

Jon trailed the paint brush across her chest, stroking lightly, teasing her other breast. He moved on, the butterfly light touch of the bristles raising goose bumps on her flesh. Frannie shifted restlessly on the bed, wanting more, wanting him. Her hands reached out, stroking his arms, his shoulders, anywhere she could reach.

When he moved further down on the bed Frannie's fingers slid through the silky strands of his hair and she braced herself for what she knew was coming. Jon looked up at her as he circled her navel with the brush, “you okay baby?” A breathy “yes” and a slight nod of her head was his answer. Jon set the paint brush aside as he stroked the pale blue lace that was hiding the heart of her from him. “Very pretty baby” he whispered as he hooked his fingers in the lacy band and slid them from her body.

Kneeling by her feet he picked up the brush again. He slid it lightly up the inside of her calves, traced circles around the insides of her knees and, slowly, ever so slowly, traced a path up the inside of her thighs. She was writhing under his touch as he stroked up the crease of her thigh. He had touched her everywhere but where she wanted him to the most. He looked up and their eyes met, she could see just the hint of a smile there, “Jon, please” she begged. He shook his head, “I’m not done yet.”

He slid the brush down lower and when it crossed her clit she came apart. Jon sat back on his heels and watched her, loving how she looked at the height of pleasure. He hurried to rid himself of his jeans, his cock having nearly burst through the zipper. He crawled up over her, kissing his way up to her mouth, “so beautiful” he whispered before claiming her mouth. As his tongue found hers, he thrust into her. Her warm wetness surrounded him, “god baby” he groaned out as he buried himself in her.

Frannie wrapped herself around him, moved with him as he pushed her higher. She felt the second wave coming and she wanted to, tried to hold back. Jon pushed harder, “let it go baby.” With a final thrust Frannie shattered; her tremors and contractions pulling Jon with her. He groaned through his release, before collapsing alongside her.

She rolled into him, resting her head on his shoulder, “you’re an evil, evil man.” Jon smirked, it was all he had the energy for, “you didn’t seem to mind babe. Are you ready to eat now?” She pushed at her hair and sat up, “I think I am. And you, you’d better refuel.” He smiled as he pushed himself up, “why’s that?” She picked up the paint brush, “it’s my turn next.”

Chapter 45

Hearing the door open Frannie shifted on the bed. She wanted to see Jon’s reaction when he saw her. She was twirling one of the paint brushes in her hand and when she looked up, there he was.

Jon had entered his room still unsure of why the music was playing. When he found Frannie on the bed, paint brush in hand, it was all he could do not to rush the bed and throw himself down next to her. “What’re you doing here? I thought you said you weren’t coming until tomorrow.” She watched him as he walked toward the bed, “I changed my mind. Was that okay, or should I go and come back tomorrow?”

He sat down on the bed next to her and took the paint brush from her and laid it on the night table, “you’re not going anywhere.” He leaned down and kissed her, “I missed you baby. I’m glad you’re here.” Frannie wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him down on top of her. “That’s better.” He was half sitting, half lying across Frannie’s chest. He pushed himself up, “just a sec.” He pulled off his shoes and crawled over her, lying down next to her and pulling her close, “that’s better.”

They lay together talking softly, kissing intermittently with Edwin McCain singing softly in the background.

Lying here with you

Listening to the rain

Smiling just to see the smile upon your face

These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive

These are the moments

I'll remember all my life

I found all I've waited for

And I could not ask for more

Jon stroked Frannie’s arm as the music and words flowed around them. He loved Frannie but was only now realizing that she truly was who and what he had been looking for for a long time, longer than he cared to admit.

Looking in your eyes Seeing all I need

Everything you are is everything to me

These are the moments I know heaven must exist

These are the moments I know all I need is this

I have all I've waited for

And I could not ask for more

I could not ask for more than this time together

I could not ask for more than this time with you

Every prayer has been answered

Every dream I have's come true

And right here in this moment is right where I'm meant to be

Here with you here with me

Frannie listened to the words, feeling that they were describing exactly how she felt. After all she had been through, all she had suffered, she had survived and this was where she was supposed to be, in this time and in this place with this man.

These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive

These are the moments I'll remember all my life

I've got all I've waited for

And I could not ask for more

I could not ask for more than the love you give me

'Coz it's all I've waited for

And I could not ask for more I could not ask for more

As the song ended Frannie lifted her head from Jon’s chest as he leaned down, their mouths met in a sweet, slow kiss that spoke of the emotions that were swirling in each of them. Jon wrapped his arm around her middle and pulled her over on top of him. Frannie pulled her mouth from his, stroking his cheek with her fingertips, “I love you.” Jon stroked his hand down her hair and over back, resting his hand on her hip, “I love you too baby.”

Their mouths met again and Jon’s stomach growled loudly between them. Frannie laughed her way out of the kiss, the moment lost for now. “Hungry darlin’?” Jon rolled them over so he could reach the phone, “I guess I am. Are you?” She nodded, “I could eat.” Jon picked up the phone.

After ordering their dinner Jon noticed the paint brushes on the night table. He picked one up and stroked it lightly across Frannie’s arm, smiling at the goose bumps that appeared. He shifted so he was once again lying next to her and he lightly dragged the soft bristles across her thigh. She shifted restlessly on the bed, the light teasing touches making her ache for him.

Jon moved to the end of the bed and stroked the brush down Frannie’s legs barely making contact with her skin as he circled her ankles and traced back to the inside of her knees. He watched her, seeing her eyes dilate and her nipples harden under the shirt had his cock straining against his zipper.

He set the paint brush aside and moved up further, his hands skimming up her thighs to the hem of the t-shirt. He slid the shirt up, kissing and caressing each bit of skin that he revealed. Pushing the shirt higher he took one of her nipples into his mouth, nipping gently with his teeth and soothing with his tongue.

Someone knocked on the door.

Jon stayed at his task, ignoring the knocking. Frannie pulled at his head, dragging him up to look at her, “go answer the door.” Jon stared down into her eyes, “don’t move.”

Chapter 44

Frannie busily packed up her paintings in the crates that would take them to Tico. She was trying to get this done as quickly as possible as she had decided to go to Philadelphia early after all. She had told Jon no during their call last night, but this morning decided that if she could get this job done she would head out and surprise him. He had sounded so deflated last night when he called that it hurt her to tell him no. He had done his best to convince her. He begged, pleaded, cajoled to no avail. But now, in the light of a new day, she changed her mind and decided that she would go.

Looking around as she packed up the last painting and her gaze fell on the drawing in the middle of the room. She had put the finishing touches on it in the wee hours of the morning before collapsing on the sofa again. The intense blue eyes stared back at her from the middle of the page, the only color in the sea of black and gray. Frannie walked to the center of the room and picked up her pencil one last time, putting her intertwined FD in the lower right corner.

After cleaning up her studio and covering her drawing with a sheet, Frannie scooted up the stairs to take a shower and pack her bag. She wanted to get going as quick as she could. After looking at nothing but pictures of Jon for the last three days and only hearing his voice on the phone, she needed to see him, to touch him.

She dressed comfortably in yoga pants and a sweatshirt. She hurriedly packed her bag, remembering to include the paint brushes, and she headed out. The car ride was uneventful and the longest hour she felt she had ever spent in the car. Just as she parked her phone rang, it was Jon.

“Hey there handsome. What’s up?”

Jon chuckled, “handsome? You can’t be talking about me.”

Frannie smiled, “obviously you haven’t looked in your mirror today.” He sounded tired. “Are you okay?”

Jon sighed, “yeah, just beat and tired of these meetings. We’re in between right now. I wish I didn’t have to wait until tomorrow to see you.”

Frannie swallowed, hoping she wouldn’t give herself away. “I’m sorry babe. You know I would’ve come today if I could. I really needed to get that stuff packed up so I can ship it to Tico. I also finished my other project, so I can focus all my attention on you tomorrow.”

Jon felt a tap on his knee, they were ready to start the next meeting. “I’ve gotta go baby, they’re ready to start again. I’ll call you later. Love you.” Before Frannie could say anything he was gone.

Once in Jon’s room she freshened up and prepared for Jon to return. She traded her sweatshirt and yoga pants for one of Jon’s soul t-shirts, placed the paint brushes on the night table, turned the radio on and positioned herself on the bed and waited.

As Jon rode the elevator to his room he again, for about the hundredth time that day, wished he wasn’t going to walk into an empty hotel room. He couldn’t figure out what his problem was. He had never minded being away from home before, but this time, he couldn’t seem to fight the loneliness that was eating at him. Stopping in front of his door he dug in his pocket for his key and paused before sliding it through the lock. There was music coming from the other side of the door. What the…I didn’t leave the radio on this morning, did I? He slid the key through the lock and slowly pushed the door open.

Chapter 43

Frannie spent her evening with her little girl, playing and just enjoying their time together. After settling Sophie down to bed Frannie went back to the studio. This project was under her skin now and the need to get it down on paper was so great she couldn’t keep away from it. She had to let it out.

She worked late into the night, finally stopping when she could no longer keep her eyes open. She didn’t even bother to drag herself up stairs. She collapsed onto the sofa and let herself fall into a dreamless, exhausted sleep.

When she opened her eyes in the morning she was disoriented and stiff. The sofa was fine for sitting on, but definitely not for sleeping. She looked and around and got her bearings, she was in the studio. Frannie looked across the room and was surprised to see so much of her drawing finished. She didn’t remember getting that much done. She had been so caught up in what she was doing that she couldn’t recall where it had all come from. She had just let her pencil go and the results were sometimes fantastic and other times, a train wreck. This was definitely along the vein of fantastic. When it was finished it would be one of her best pieces, she hoped.

After a shower, breakfast and some time with Sophie, Frannie headed back to her studio. The picture was calling to her and she wanted to finish it. Turning on her radio she again let the music flow around her as she picked up her pencil. As she hummed along she shaded here, blended there, filled in and faded out, making minor adjustments throughout until she got to the last portion. She had a space that needed to be filled in but she hadn’t decided how she wanted to fill it. Frannie stepped back and studied the flow of the piece. There were all the things about him, music, family, his philanthropy, their beach, but something was still missing.

Frannie paced back and forth trying to decide just what she could add that would complete what she had done. She kept looking back and trying to figure out what she could have possibly left out. As she moved back and forth across the room she caught a hint of movement out of the corner of her eye. Glancing over she spotted Geena and Sophie in the doorway.

“Hey Geena, everything okay?” She walked over to where the two were standing as Geena nodded, “everything is fine Frannie. I was just sent to tell you that dinner is ready.” Frannie nodded and kissed Sophie, “okay. Tell Lani I’ll be along in a minute.” When her lips pressed against the baby’s head it came to her. She walked back and picked up her pencil and in minutes she had filled in that last spot. She smiled as she set her pencil down; she would have to touch it up a little but for now it was finished.

While Frannie was smiling in satisfaction, Jon was frowning in frustration. His meeting with the sponsors for the Soul wasn’t going as well as he hoped. Because the team wasn’t doing as well as the sponsor had been led to believe they would, they were threatening to pull out. After two hours of near begging and pleading Jon hoped that he had convinced them to stick around a while longer. Surely his team wouldn’t continue down the path they were on. They agreed to wait until after the game on Saturday to make a final decision. This would have to be good enough for now.

As he let himself back into his empty hotel room he sighed, wishing Frannie was there. He hadn’t slept well the night before and that hadn’t helped his disposition during that meeting either. Hanging up his suit coat he dug into his pocket for his phone. Maybe he could convince Frannie, without too much begging on his part, to come tomorrow instead of Saturday.

Holding the phone in his hand he just stared down at it, not opening it. Frannie. He moved to the window and stared out, trying to figure out just how she had come to mean so much to him in such a short amount of time. The person she is now is so far removed from who she was when they met it was just amazing. And, he wondered, how had he found someone so like what he had had before but yet so different? Her passion for her work was admirable and her generous nature was beyond fault. Her strength was undeniable and combined with the softness that was apparent, he was lost. There were so many facets to her. He loved what he had undiscovered so far and he had no intention of letting anything slip past him.

Glancing down at the phone again, he opened it this time and dialed. Hopefully he could get her to see that she should come tomorrow instead of waiting.

Chapter 42

Frannie watched as Jon packed his bag. He looked over at her, “you sure you can’t come with me this time?” She shook her head, “I need to finish up in my studio. I’ll come Saturday for the game.” Jon sighed. He had to go to Philadelphia. He had meetings at the Soul offices and with Habitat and then there was the game on Saturday. He had tried to convince Frannie to come with him again but she refused. Jon shut the suitcase and set it on the floor before approaching her.

He cupped her face in his hands as he lowered is mouth to hers. The kiss was gentle and soft. “I’ll miss you baby.” He glanced over to the night table and then back at her, “bring the paint brushes?” Frannie’s face heated, “I’ll miss you too and consider them packed.” He smiled and took her hand, “walk me out.”

They descended the stairs and stopped at the front door. Jon kissed her again before slipping on his coat. “You’re sure?” He had to ask one last time. She nodded, “I’m sure Jon. I’ll be there on Saturday, I promise.” They heard the honk of a horn; the car was here to take him to the heliport. He was taking the chopper into Philly to save time. Jon pulled Frannie to him, hugging her close before kissing her soundly. “I’ll call you later baby. I love you.” Frannie hugged him tight, “I love you too. Be safe.”

Frannie watched the car leave before turning and heading to her studio. It was time to get this last piece done. All the ones from their trip were done as well as a few others she had started before they left. The only one left for her upcoming show was the one of Jon.

She pulled the sheet off and surveyed her mess. Picking up a photograph she stroked his face with her fingers. Would anyone get it? Would they see him as more than just the rock star? She sighed and set the picture down and turned to the wall. She had a large sheet of stiff-backed paper tacked up to the wall. Because she was doing a pencil drawing she couldn’t use a canvas and this would hold up to the blending and shading and any erasures she may make.

Frannie gathered all her supplies and set them up on a small table next to her. Turning on her small radio she picked up a pencil and stared at the blank paper. She closed her eyes and pictured him in her mind. As his music flowed around her, Frannie put pencil to paper and started to draw. While Jon sang of faith and of finding something to believe in Frannie’s pencil skimmed across the paper. She glanced at photos, picking out expressions and emotions, bits and pieces of him and the things that matter most.

Morning slid into afternoon and Frannie continued to work. When Dennis DeYoung begged someone to show him the way Frannie put her pencil down. Her hand was starting to feel the effects of her long day and her back was aching. Taking a step back, she studied what she had done. She nodded her head, yes, this was what she had been trying for.

His eyes stared back at her from the center of the piece. She had chosen her drawing from the other night, of him looking at her from over the corner of the newspaper for the center; the starting point and the eyes were in color. Everything else would be done in black pencil, but his eyes had to have color. She picked up her pencil once more and softened the lines and shaded around the edges, blending the one drawing into the next. When her phone rang she jumped and dropped her pencil. Dammit!

“Hello?”

To Jon’s ear she sounded distracted. “Hi baby. How’s it going?”

Frannie smiled, “Hi yourself. Things are fine here. How was your trip?”

“It was uneventful. Are you okay?” He was concerned that she was pushing herself too hard.

Frannie nodded, “I’m fine, just working. You’re a tough one to get down on paper.”

Jon sighed, “just don’t over do it Frannie. I know you tend to lose all track of time when you’re working. Make sure you at least take a break from time to time.”

“I won’t. As a matter of fact, I just stopped for the day. I’m going to go find Geena and Sophie and indulge in some well-deserved baby time.”

Jon smiled at the picture that came to mind of her and Sophie. “Give her a kiss from me and make sure you eat somewhere in there, please.”

Frannie sat down and nearly groaned, “I will babe, I promise. Did you finish up your meetings? What are you going to do for dinner?”

Jon moved around his room, restless. “We’re all done for today and I think I’m just going to order room service and watch some TV tonight. I have a feeling its going to be a long night.”

Frannie sighed, “I’m sorry babe. You know I’d be there if I could. If it’s any consolation, I don’t think I’ll be sleeping any better than you.”

Jon sighed again, “okay baby, you go eat and see little Sophie. I’m going to shower the day off and get some dinner myself. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you too Jon. Bye.” Frannie hung up and looked over to the drawing again. She really should keep going but she needed this break and she promised Jon. Standing she covered everything, shut off the light and headed out to find Geena and Sophie.

Chapter 41

Frannie lay in bed, awake in the wee hours as Jon slept on beside her. She should be exhausted after their love making on the couch and then later when they had made it to the bed. Yet she was awake, her brain unable to settle. She got up and pulled on her robe and, leaving Jon sleeping, she headed downstairs to her studio.

Flipping on the light she looked to the project that was giving her so much trouble. She sifted through the photos yet again and finally decided to let it rest for a while. She covered everything with a sheet and turned her attention to the easel in the center of the room. Maybe if she worked on something else for a while she could return to this with fresh eyes and a new perspective.

Jon sighed as he rolled over and found Frannie gone from the bed. She was so much like him when involved in a project it was a bit unnerving. He stretched and pulled on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt, wondering how long she had been awake or if she had even slept at all.

Carrying two cups of coffee he found Frannie putting her initials in the corner of the watercolor she had just finished. Frannie turned to him with a smile as she finished, “good morning.” He handed her one of the cups of coffee, “good morning baby. How long have you been up?” He studied the picture as he waited for her to answer. “For a while, I was too restless to sleep and I didn’t want to wake you up.” He wrapped his arm around her, “then I guess I need to work a little harder at wearing you out.” Frannie smiled and shook her head, “you try any harder and I won’t be able to walk.” Jon laughed and turned his attention to the painting, “this is amazing baby. It’s from our trip, right?”

“Yeah, it’s from that first afternoon.” She had painted the beach from their first walk on the beach right after they arrived on Turks and Caicos. “I have a few others I want to do, but I thought I would start with this one.” Jon nodded, “I love it. Are you going to call Tico about doing a show at his gallery?” Frannie sipped her coffee, “I had planned on calling Joan at the Alliance and then him later today.” Jon took her hand, “Okay. Now, how about some breakfast?”

Frannie spent the day in the studio, breaking only see Sophie for a bit before her nap and when Jon interrupted her at dinnertime. He had spent the day in his office and he was ready for a break when Lani informed him that dinner was ready. He left his phone on his desk; he didn’t want to talk on the damn thing anymore that day if he didn’t have to. Most days he felt as if it was permanently attached to the side of his head. He wandered down to see what Frannie was up to and found her on her phone. While she talked he studied the painting that was drying on the easel. She had used acrylics this time, capturing the bold colors of the sunset over the beach. The palm trees swayed on the one side of the painting and you could just make out a sailboat in the distance.

He turned to say something to her and she held up her hand, signaling him to wait. “Okay Tico, end of next month sounds like it will work just fine.” She smiled and finished up the call. “I look forward to it Tico, thanks. See you soon.” When she closed the phone Jon spoke. “You look forward to what?” Frannie took a couple of steps, closing the gap between them, “seeing his studio. He promised to show me his paintings.”

Jon took her hand and pulled her into his embrace, “he does love to show of his work. You’ll love it, I’m sure.” Frannie kissed his cheek, “I’ve no doubt I will. What do you think of this one?” Jon turned his head, “I think it’s wonderful. You really have a way with that paintbrush ma’am.” Her cheeks pinked slightly, a vision of using a paintbrush for an entirely different reason flashed through her head “thanks.”

The look didn’t go unnoticed by Jon, “what? Why are you blushing?” Frannie lowered her head, resting it against his chest. “I’m not blushing.” He placed his fingers under her chin and raised her head, “yes you are. What’s going on in that head of yours?” She closed her eyes briefly before meeting his gaze, “I was just thinking about different uses for my paintbrush, that’s all.” He raised his eyebrows, “really, do tell.” She shook her head and loosed herself from his embrace, “I do show better than tell. I’ll show you later.” She turned to walk out of the room and he grabbed her hand, “later better come quick” he told her as they shut the light off and headed to dinner.

Chapter 40

There were crumpled papers all around her on the floor along with broken pencils and eraser bits. She never struggled this much with a sketch before. Why was this one taking so much from her? Frannie glanced at the photos on the wall it’s the subject she thought. She pulled all the pictures down and went back to the computer. Maybe if she picked different ones it would be easier. I doubt it. She glanced down at the photo on top, he’s just too perfect. She sighed and scrolled through the shots again.

Jon watched her from the doorway. She was so focused on what she was doing she didn’t even notice him there. Her hair was pulled back with a clip and some strands had come loose which she was absently shoving back behind her ear. She seemed distressed. Her fingers tapped on the keys of her laptop and her eyes scanned the screen. He tapped lightly on the doorframe, “hey.” She jerked and looked up, “oh, hi. I didn’t realize you were there.” Jon crossed the room to her, “I know you didn’t.” He looked around, noting the carnage on the floor, “having trouble?”

Frannie nodded her head, “I just can’t get it right. It’s been a long time since I had this problem. I think it’s the subject this time.” She smiled as she waited for his reaction. His eyes widened, “what do you mean it’s the ‘subject’ the ‘subject’ is me, what’s wrong with me?”

Frannie laid her hand on his arm, “nothing is wrong with you other than the fact that you are just so amazing I am having trouble capturing you the way I want.” She paused and smiled, “why couldn’t you just be some joe schmo nobody?” Jon chuckled, “if I was some ‘joe schmo nobody’ you wouldn’t be trying to draw me and we wouldn’t be having this conversation now would we?” Frannie laughed; “no, I guess not.” Jon pulled her into a hug, “why don’t you take a break? Come and have dinner and just relax for a while. Start fresh in the morning.”

Taking a break sounded like a good idea. Frannie cleaned up and went in search of Geena and Sophie. She hadn’t seen her baby girl almost all day. She relieved Geena and took Sophie downstairs to the den where Jon had started a fire and was sitting reading the newspaper. All he needed was a pipe and a dog at his feet and he could be a Norman Rockwell painting. Frannie smiled at the thought. Sophie started squirming so Frannie laid a blanket down on the floor and set the baby down. As the baby rolled around Frannie looked up and saw Jon watching them. He had flipped the corner of the newspaper down and he was peering over the edge. Frannie hopped up, “watch her for a minute?” she called over her shoulder and she rushed from the room.

Grabbing her sketch book she put pencil to paper and drew his eyes as they had just been looking at her; over the edge of the newspaper, the lines at the corners crinkled in what she imagined was a slight smile behind the paper. She picked up her blue colored pencil and started filling in the irises when she glanced up to find Jon standing in the doorway with Sophie in his arms. “I thought you were taking a break.” She frowned slightly, “I know, but the way you looked just a minute ago, I had to get it down.” It was almost exactly what I was looking for earlier. Jon walked over and stilled her hands, “dinner’s ready, will you stop now?” Setting her things aside she once again shut the light off and headed out of the room.

After dinner Frannie took Sophie upstairs and fed her before turning her over to Geena for the night. When she returned, Jon was stretched out on the couch flipping through the channels on the TV. She sat down on the floor beside the couch, reached for his free hand and pulled it across the front of her, kissing his forearm lightly. Jon settled on some old movie and set the remote on the table near his head. He leaned over and kissed Frannie’s head, “you look awfully comfy dressed like that.” She tilted her head and looked up at him, “I am awfully comfy.” She had changed into a tank top and cotton drawstring sleep pants. He dropped a kiss on her upturned face, “there’s room up here for two you know.” Frannie stretched out along side him, resting her head on his arm.

Jon reached up and pulled the clip from her hair “you’re hair is so soft.” He spoke quietly as he ran his fingers through her dark tresses. She closed her eyes as his fingers found her scalp and started to massage lightly. “Mmmm, that feels nice.” she sighed. His hand worked its way down to her neck where he dipped his head and pressed a light kiss to the nape, then to her shoulder, caressing the soft skin he found there and skimmed lightly down her side, resting on her hip. Frannie tried to turn so she was facing him but he held her fast, “don’t.” He continued to stroke her hip, easing his hand around and under her top at the small of her back. The fine hairs on her arms stood up as he stroked the sensitive skin at her lower back and she shifted restlessly against him. “Jon” she turned her head to look at him, “I want to touch you too.” He moved his hand around to her stomach and slowly slid higher, “not yet.”

As his thumb caressed the lower curve of her breast Frannie felt his warm breath on her neck and then the tip of his tongue as he traced circles and pressed kisses all along her nape. She closed her eyes against the storm that was brewing inside her. Turning her head again Jon’s mouth found hers as his fingers closed over one hardened nipple. She groaned into his mouth as he tugged gently on first one and then the other. Just when she thought she couldn’t take anymore his hand moved, sliding back across her stomach, pausing at the drawstring of her pants. Frannie reached behind her as he tugged and loosened the drawstring. As she cupped him through his jeans he discovered she wasn’t wearing any underwear. Their groans mingled as she stroked him. He pulled his hand from her to rid himself of his jeans and shirt; her of her pants and top.

As he settled back down behind her, Frannie reached for him again. He was hot and hard as she stroked him. Jon’s hand found its way back between her thighs; she was so ready for him she nearly came when he touched her. He continued to stroke her, stopping before she could come. Frannie whimpered, “please” and he stilled her hand on him, “hold on baby.” He shifted her leg and slid into her in one slow thrust. Frannie nearly cried with relief as her body took him. She pressed back against him, taking him deeper. He moved, slowly, drawing out each movement, intent on taking his time. He wrapped his arm around her, her back pressed against his chest as he thrust into her. He hand snaked down, fingertips fluttering lightly across her stomach, down through the soft curls and stroking her clit.

Frannie was drowning, drowning in the sensation that was Jon. His touch was frustrating light and his hips were moving maddeningly slow. She raised her arm to curl around and into his hair pulling him to her for a kiss. As their mouths met Jon’s fingers stroked her more intently. Frannie pulled her mouth from his, “God Jon, please.” He pumped into her harder, pushing her into her orgasm as he spilled into her.

They lay quietly, breathing slowing, heartbeats calming. Jon pulled the throw from the back of the couch to cover them. He stroked Frannie’s shoulder, kissing it lightly. He looked at her face, her eyes were closed, a small smile on her lips. “Still thinking about the drawing baby?” Frannie’s eyes were arousal hazed as she tried to open them, “what drawing?”

Chapter 39

The next day, after unpacking and getting Sophie settled, Frannie took her laptop into her studio, and starting choosing the pictures she was going to print out. When she had about 30 she saved them to her flash drive and took it along with some photo grade paper to Jon’s office. She could hear him on the phone, so she just cracked open the door and poked her head in and waited. He looked up and motioned for her to come in.

She sat in a chair across from him and looked around. The office was totally him. The walls were painted an off white and there were framed posters of the Giants and the Soul hanging on the walls as well as a glass case with a signed football. The shelf over his desk held various awards for his humanitarian and philanthropy work and the desk itself was a cluttered mess of papers, files and the computer.

Jon finished his call and looked over at Frannie, “welcome to my mess, what can I do for you?” Frannie smiled, “can I use your printer?” Jon swiveled his chair to look at his computer and printer. “I haven’t even turned anything on yet. The damn phone won’t stop ringing.” Just as he said the words it rang again. Jon got up, “go ahead” he motioned for her to switch seats with him.

Frannie didn’t want to print out the pictures with him there, but she had no choice. She booted up the computer and frowned. She looked over at Jon, trying to get his attention. He glanced up at her, “what’s your password?” He held up his finger, “just a sec.” “Okay, no that’s fine. Thursday at 7:30. I’ll be there.” He closed the phone and let out a breath, “my brother is going to be the death of me I swear. Does he not understand that I am just one person?”

Frannie just shook her head, “well if you weren’t involved in so many projects you wouldn’t need to clone yourself.” Jon laughed, “I suppose but I just can’t seem to say no to anyone.” He set the phone down on the desk, “now what did you need?” She looked at the screen and then back at him, “your password.”

He hesitated and then decided just to give it to her, “don’t laugh.” Frannie looked at him, “why would I laugh?” He told her, “march21962.” She chuckled, “nice, why not just use your name or something?” He smirked and came around the desk, “I asked you not to laugh.” She looked up at him, “I couldn’t help myself, it was funny.” He started to laugh too, “I know its lame, but at least I’ll never forget it. So, what do you need my printer for?” Frannie shook her head, “oh no, I’m not telling. You need to get gone for about five minutes.”

“I need to get gone? You’re kicking me out of my own office?” He pouted and crossed his arms across his chest, “you can’t make me.” Frannie looked up and laughed, he looked too cute standing there with his bottom lip poking out. “Wanna bet?” He nodded his head, “it’s my office, I don’t have to leave if I don’t want to.” Frannie stood and nibbled on his bottom lip before sucking it into her mouth and then letting go, “I could not do that thing with my tongue again that you found so enjoyable last night.” His eyes widened and he raised his hands in defeat, “I’m going. Five minutes woman, I’ll be back in five minutes.” He strode to the door muttering something about evil women.

When he came back Frannie had retrieved her flash drive and was straightening the pages she had printed. She stood when she saw him in the doorway, “I’m finished so I’ll get out of your way now.” He crossed the room to her, “you’re really not going to show me?” Frannie shook her head, “nope. It’s part of my new project and I don’t want you to see it yet. She held out her hand to him, “I do, however, have something that I finished this morning that you can look at if you want.” He took her hand, “lead the way baby.”

They walked into her studio and Jon stopped and stared. She had finished the painting from the Philly Soul game she had started before they left for their trip. “You’ve got to let me hang this in their offices.” He spoke without taking his eye from the canvas. “This is amazing. They’re going to love it over there.” Frannie stepped next to him and laid her hand on his shoulder, “of course you can have it for the Soul offices. That’s why I finished it up today. You can take it with you the next time you go.” He turned and pressed his lips to hers, “thank you baby. This is great.” She opened her mouth to him and his tongue swept inside, sending her senses into overdrive. She dropped the stack of photos she had printed and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, giving herself over to the kiss.

Jon slowly eased back, nipping her lips as he did. He looked down and saw the photos scattered across the floor. Bring his eyes back to hers he smiled, “you dropped something baby.” Frannie’s eyes widened and she looked down, “dammit.” She bent to retrieve the pictures and Jon bent to help her, “getting started on your new project?” He glanced at the pictures he had picked up before handing them to her. She blew out a breath, “yes, but please don’t ask me about it. I’m still trying to figure it out before I put pencil to paper.” They stood at the same time and he handed her the last of the pictures, “okay baby, I’ll leave you to get to work.” He kissed her lightly again before leaving the room.

Frannie took the photos to the other side of the room and laid them out on the floor. She knew which one she wanted for the focal point of the drawing and it was just a matter of getting the rest fanned out around it so the drawing would flow right. Frannie looked down at the floor and decided she needed the pictures at eye level. She pulled her phone from her hip and called Jon in his office.

Jon had just set the phone on the desk when it rang again. “What?!” he asked a little harshly. “I didn’t mean to bother you babe but I have a question.” Jon ran his hand over his face, “sorry I barked at you. What do you need?” Frannie looked at the wall, “would you mind if I pinned a few things to the wall while I’m working?” Jon started scanning his e-mail as he was talking “no, go ahead, it’s your space now do whatever you want to it.” She bent to pick up a picture “thanks.” She clicked off and looked down at the pictures scattered around her, she was going to need a bigger sheet of paper.

Chapter 38

Jon waited all morning for Frannie to tell him. She hadn’t said anything to him about her idea and it was starting to wear on him. Once they were settled on the plane and they were in the air, Frannie got out her laptop and slipped the memory card from her camera into the computer and started downloading the pictures she had taken. Jon leaned over to see what she was doing, “what’re you doing?” She ran her fingers through his hair, “getting a jump on that idea I need to tell you about.” Jon smiled and took her hand, kissing her fingers, “am I going to like this idea?”

Frannie smiled at him, “I think you may like it better than my original one. Does that help?” Jon shook his head, “not really since I don’t know what this new idea is yet. Are you going to tell me or do I have to get mean?” She raised an eyebrow, “mean?”

Jon looked over to Geena, she wasn’t paying attention to them and he turned back to Frannie, running a hand up under her skirt, trailing his fingers lightly up her inner thigh, “mean.” Frannie inhaled deeply, “okay, I’ll tell you, just move your hand.” He shook his head, “nope, I like it right where it is.”

Trying her best to ignore the hand that was under her skirt, Frannie turned her laptop toward Jon. “Take a look and tell me what you think.” Jon angled the computer so he could see the screen and started scrolling through the pictures. “These are all of me.” His eyes widened and his hand tightened its grip on Frannie’s thigh at the one she had snapped while he was in the shower. It was just a side shot and you couldn’t really see anything but that it was still a surprise to see himself like that.

He continued to scroll through, hmming at most of the shots. He turned his gaze from the screen to Frannie when he was finished, “I don’t remember you taking half of these. You’re pretty sneaky you know.” She smiled, “I know. You weren’t supposed to know I was taking the pictures; that was the whole point. I’m going to use them instead of having you pose for me.”

Jon opened his mouth to speak and then closed it again. She had caught him off guard with that remark. He slid his hand from her, “you don’t want me to pose for you now?” Frannie sighed and turned the computer back toward her, “its not that I don’t want you to Jon, its more that you don’t really want to do it for me. I found another route to take and we’ll see how it turns out. If I don’t like it, no one has to see it and you won’t have to worry about it.” When he didn’t say anything she turned her attention back to the computer.

Jon laid his head back on the seat, closed his eyes and thought about what she had said. She’s right, I really didn’t want to do it but now, I don’t know. He looked over at her; she was scanning the pictures, sorting them, filing them away for future use. She looked up and found him staring at her, “what?” He sighed, “you’re right.” She had no idea what he was talking about. “Right about what?” Jon reached over to her, took her hand, “I really didn’t want to pose for you.” Frannie didn’t look surprised, “I know you didn’t you were just trying to appease me Jon, I’m not stupid.”

His gaze shifted to the window and then back at Frannie, “I know you’re not stupid. I never said you were. I’m just uncomfortable with the whole idea. I’ve never done something like that before.” Frannie shook her head, “yes you have.” Now Jon was confused, “what are you talking about?” She smiled, “have you forgotten a certain set of photos, I’m fairly certain you have said that Elton John has the negatives for. Versace I believe they were?” His cheeks colored, “I try to forget about those. They weren’t supposed to be seen by anyone.”

Frannie finished and closed the computer, “I know and that’s all I’m trying to avoid by changing the direction of the piece I was going to do. I don’t want you to be embarrassed or hurt by what I may do. I’m just trying to protect you and your family by taking this route.” He looked visibly relieved when she said this. He leaned closer to her, kissing her cheek, “thank you baby. I just have one more question though.” She turned her head to look at him, “oh, what’s that?”

He smiled, “what are you going to do with all those pictures you took when you’re finished with them?”

Chapter 37

Frannie and Jon walked hand in hand, their shoes dangling from their fingers, across the sand back toward their villa. The moon was high and bright, bathing them both in its silvery glow. Jon tugged Frannie to a stop, turning her to face him. He dropped his shoes and trailed his fingers lightly up her arm, tracing small circles on her shoulder. Frannie closed her eyes as he placed feather light kisses across her forehead and down her cheek before finally claiming her mouth in a soft lingering kiss.

As his mouth moved to her jaw and then down her neck she inhaled sharply but she wasn't going to give in this easily. "Is this the best you've got rock star? I'm still not telling." She felt him smile against her, "this is just the opening act babe. You ain't seen nothing yet" he paused, trailing his mouth to her ear, "Francesca."

She trembled at his use of her full name. The way it rolled off his tongue, the cadence of his voice as it rumbled from his throat, the heat of his breath at her ear and the slight nip of her earlobe were nearly her undoing. He felt her shiver and knew she was, little by little, giving in to him. He nibbled across her shoulder as his hands slid around her and up under the back of her top, caressing the soft skin he encountered there. When he felt the goose bumps break out across her skin he released her and picked up his shoes.

Frannie didn't want it to be this easy. He was driving her to the edge of insanity and she wanted to be able to hold out, but she knew she was in trouble when he used her full name. She was almost glad that he had let her go right then. She nearly had herself back in check when Jon took her hand again. There was something in that simple gesture that had her trembling again. Maybe it was the way his fingers barely touched her skin as they slid down her arm and across her palm before grasping her hand, she didn't know and was nearly beyond caring. All the light touches, the caress of her foot and calf during dinner, the light skimming of her forearm while they drank coffee, the circles on her shoulder, they all had her so aroused he could have taken her right there on the sand and it wouldn't have mattered.

When they stepped into their room they dropped their shoes and Jon turned to Frannie, "don't move." She stayed where she was and watched as Jon lit the candles he had scattered around earlier. He came back to where Frannie was standing and took her hands, leading her to the bed. He ran his fingers across her chest and up around her shoulders to her neck and into her hair. His voice was a whisper in the near dark. "So soft, your skin is so soft." She felt his lips moving against her hair as he spoke. "I want to see more, want to see you." He slid his hands across the bare expanse of her back to her top, finding the zipper at her side. As her top fell to her waist he cupped her breasts, thumbs caressing her nipples, coaxing the tips to their full hardness.

Frannie closed her eyes against the sensations that were coursing through her. He's too good at this she thought. I'm never going to be able to hold out against him. She gasped when she felt his hands move from her breasts. She felt him tug on her top, pulling it up from her waist and off of her. She opened her eyes and reached for him, only to have her hands stilled, "not yet baby, this is just for you now." She nearly whined, "but I want to touch you too." Jon just shook his head no and continued, searching out the tie of her skirt. He grappled with the knot, very nearly growling in frustration before it gave way and the skirt fell to the floor.

Jon laid Frannie back on the bed and just looked at her, taking in the vision before him. Her chestnut hair was spread out behind her; the candle light had her skin aglow. Her nipples were standing proud and, his eyes traveled over her, the scrap of white lace called to him. She was stunning. He peeled his shirt off and, starting at her feet, he tasted and touched every part of her. She was writhing beneath him as he nipped her through the white lace, moaned out his name on an oath as he drew a nipple into his hot mouth, sobbed out her frustration as he touched her everywhere but where she so desperately wanted and needed him. When he moved from her she reached out, grabbing his arm, “where are you going?” He pulled her hand from his, kissing her fingers, “shhh baby, just right here.” She watched as he stood and removed his pants, his cock straining with the need for release, with the need for her.

He moved back to the bed, his tongue leaving a wet trail up her thigh, encountering her need for him before he even got to his mark. He ran his tongue up and down, circling her clit, dipping into her briefly, circling again, teasing. He felt her hands tugging in his hair, “Jon!” He raised his head to look at her, “I’ll tell you anything you want to know, but…” she closed her eyes and her voice trailed off as he slipped a finger inside her, “I need you, I need you NOW!” With a final kiss to her inner thigh, he nipped his way up her trembling body, claiming her mouth briefly before holding himself over her. “Frannie, baby, look at me.” She opened her eyes and blurry amber met tumultuous blue as he drove into her.

Frannie arched up, her orgasm rushing through her like wildfire. Jon held on and as she shuddered he moved, driving her again, urging her higher. He pumped into her harder, faster, his own need for release taking over. He dipped his head, nipping her lip with his teeth, “come for me baby, come with me.” As his mouth trailed over her she could do nothing but what he had asked. “Jon” she cried out as they fell into oblivion together.

Sometime later, when they could both breath again, Jon moved so they could crawl under the covers. He dragged Frannie close, feeling her trembling still. “You okay baby?” She looked up at him, eyes heavy-lidded, “oh yeah.” He chuckled, “now, what was it you were going to tell me?”

I'm Sorry...

I have to apologize for the long delay in posting the next chapter. Real life has intruded and I just haven't had the time to sit here and write for you. I hope to have something in the next day or so.

Thanks for your continued readership. Please bear with me.

Stephanie

Chapter 36

Long after Jon had fallen asleep Frannie lay awake, thinking about this project she wanted to undertake and how she was going to accomplish it if Jon kept blocking her at every turn. She turned her head to look at him, he was so beautiful. She crept from the bed and found her camera, with the moonlight streaming in she had enough light and snapped a couple of pictures. Setting the camera aside she crawled back into the bed and snuggled in next to him. An idea was beginning to form; maybe there was another way to go about this particular project.

For the rest of their time in Turks & Caicos Jon and Frannie spent their days soaking up the sun on the beach, frolicking in the water, just being lazy and not having a care in the world. They took long walks on the beach, they played with Sophie, there were many stolen kisses in the moonlight. Throughout their days on the islands, Frannie took pictures, lots and lots of pictures, some Jon had been aware of and others where she caught him unaware and unsuspecting.

She had decided that instead of having Jon pose for her she would make this more of a collage-type drawing. If he was that uncomfortable posing for him, she would use the photographs and fashion her drawing from those. It wouldn’t be exactly what she had been after, but, hopefully, the essence of what she was trying to capture would come through.

As they dressed for their last dinner on the island Jon looked over at Frannie, “you’ve been quiet today baby, are you all right?” She nodded her head as she brushed her hair, “I’m okay, just a little sad that we’re leaving tomorrow.” Jon moved up behind her at the mirror, “I am too, I’ve enjoyed our week here baby.” He kissed her bare shoulder. She was wearing a strapless red top with her long filmy wrap skirt. “You're beautiful baby, but you’re missing something.” Frannie met his gaze in the mirror, “missing something, what could I be missing?”

He ran his fingers lightly down her throat and across the expanse of skin showing above her top. “You’re awfully bare here darlin’, I think you need a little decoration.” Frannie’s gaze followed him in the mirror as he went to his dresser and then came back to her. He had a small box in his hand and he presented it to her, “I hope you like it.” She took the box and opened it slowly, gasping at what was inside.

The russet of the coral and the blue of the turquoise swirled together in a circle of silver. She lifted it from its resting place and turned to Jon, “its lovely Jon, thank you.” He took the necklace from her and stood behind her, “lift your hair baby.” She did as she was bid and he clasped the necklace for her. The pendant nestled just above the line of her breasts. She fingered it lightly before turning to face him, “I love you.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her gently, “I love you too baby. Now let’s go eat.” She smiled and took his hand as they headed out and down the beach.

They dined at Lotus, the second of the two restaurants on the resort and Frannie stayed away from seafood this night. She didn’t relish the idea of spending her last night in paradise on her knees praying to the porcelain god. She’d much rather spend it on her knees in praying to a different God all together. She looked across the table at Jon and smirked at the thought.

Jon was watching her, wondering what she was thinking. She had been distant, quiet since their disagreement a few nights earlier. He hoped he hadn’t driven a permanent wedge between them with his “conditions.” “What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?” She lifted her eyes to meet his, “just thinking.” He nodded his head, "thinking about what?" She smirked again, "praying." He raised an eyebrow, “praying?” She nodded her head as she slid her foot up his leg, “yeah, on my knees.”

Jon’s eyes widened as what she was talking about had finally sunk in and as her foot found its mark. He rested his hand on her foot as it moved back and forth slightly, “Jesus baby, you keep that up and I’m not going to be able to walk out of here.” She stopped moving her foot but left it in his lap, “better?” Not really. He shifted slightly, “it’ll do.”

They sipped their wine and waited for their food to come and Jon decided to broach the subject they had both been avoiding. “You’ve been pretty quiet since the other night. Are you sure you’re all right with what we decided.” Frannie took a sip of her wine and wiggled her toes making Jon squirm. “Actually Jon, I’m not all right with it, but I’ve come up with another idea all together.” Jon almost hated to ask, “what’s this new idea?” She shook her head, swinging her hair slightly, “oh no, I’m not telling you just yet. You’re going to have to wait until we get home.” Jon pouted, “what if I don’t want to wait that long?”

Frannie wiggled her toes against the hard length of him again, “you really don’t have a choice because I’m not going to tell you.” He trailed his fingers lightly over her foot, gently caressing the arch and sliding up her calf, “I bet I can make you tell me.” She eyed him over the top of her wineglass, the determination in his eyes making her smile, “give it your best shot babe.”

Chapter 35

“You’re awfully quiet.” They were tangled together, Jon was stroking Frannie’s arm and she had her head on his chest. “You’re thinking about it already, aren’t you?” She kissed his chest before rising up on her arm to look at him, “is that a problem?” He tucked her hair behind her ear, “I guess not, but I just have one, well, maybe more than one condition.” She eyed him warily, “why do I have a feeling I’m not going to like these conditions?” His lip twitched, “I have a feeling you’ll probably hate them.”

She shook her head, “does everything have to have conditions?” She threw back the covers and got out of bed, slightly irritated. Jon watched as she grabbed her dress off the floor, yank it on and head for the door. “Where’re you going?” She turned to him, “to get something to eat. I’m feeling a little hungry now.” She turned and left the room.

Jon pulled on his shorts and went after her, finding her in the kitchen pouring herself a glass of juice. “Pour me some?” She hesitated for half a second before getting out a second glass. She slid it to him and turned her attention to the refrigerator, deciding eggs were probably a safe bet for her stomach. She pulled a few things out and turned back to him, “are you hungry, should I make enough for two?” He nodded his head and shrugged his shoulders, “I could eat.”

He watched her, knew she wasn’t happy with him at the moment but he needed her to understand that because of who he was he needed to be cautious about venturing into something like this. “Frannie” he moved to stand next to her, “you didn’t even hear my conditions yet, how can you be upset already?” She sighed, “I just don’t understand why this has to be so complicated. All I want to do is draw you.” She cracked several eggs into the bowl and was reaching for the whisk when Jon stilled her hands, “you want to draw me naked.” She turned her head slightly to look at him, “I know and you said yes.” He turned her to face him, “I know what I said, but you’ve got to understand that because of who I am we have to be careful.”

Frannie sighed and turned back to the eggs, “I know. I’m sorry. I just forget sometimes ‘who’ you are. What are your conditions?”

Jon just smiled; he loved that she could ‘forget’ his other self so easily. He hadn’t known many that could, but she had no problem with it. He sat on the stool, “first, my kids can’t see it.” He watched her, waited for her to say something and when she didn’t he continued. “Second, it has to be tasteful.” He caught her frown, “what?” She poured the eggs over the potatoes and mushrooms that were already in the skillet, turned and pointed her spatula at him, “you think I would do anything other than tasteful? What kind of artist do you take me for?” He smiled, “all right, I’ll concede on that one. Other than Tico, you’re the best I’ve seen.” She stirred the eggs and choked back a laugh, “I think your nose grew on that one.” “Hey!” He tried to look insulted as he felt his nose, “it did not…, well maybe just a little, but I do think you’re fantastic.” Frannie rolled her eyes, “any other conditions sir?”

He watched her stir the eggs, she wasn’t going to like this last one at all. “You can’t show it, sell it or auction it off. You have to keep it.” Frannie shut the burner off and turned to him, “then what’s the point of me even doing this?” She dished up eggs for him and slid the plate across the counter, “here, enjoy.” He looked at her, “what about you?” She headed for the sliding door, “I suddenly don’t have an appetite any more. I’m going for a walk.”

How could he ask that of me? She didn’t understand. Maybe she should just forget about it. Was he the wrong person to ask this of? A question came to mind and she wondered if the answer would change his mind. She sighed and turned to head back, not surprised to find Jon watching from their villa. She walked back toward him and let him gather her in his arms when she got close. “You walked away from me.” She nodded her head, “I know; I needed to think. I have a question for you though.” He pushed her hair out of her face, tracing circles on her shoulder with his finger and thumb, “ask away.”

She took a breath, “What if you were told you can write your songs, record them but can’t share them, that no one would ever hear them but you. How would that make you feel?” He opened him mouth to say something and then closed it again, he hadn’t thought of it that way. Letting what she had just asked sink in, he understood now what he had asked of her and why it was bothering her. It would have pissed him off if someone had asked him that. What was the point of going through all the work if you couldn’t share the end product?

He sighed and rested his forehead against hers, “I’m sorry. That was as shitty thing to ask of you.” He kissed her lightly, “how about you do the drawing and we’ll decide at the end if it’s something we want to share?” She looked up at him; his eyes were sincere, “okay, I think I can live with that.” She kissed him, “what do you say we go back inside now and not talk about this again until we get back home?” Jon nodded his head, “okay” and he took her hand and they went back inside.

Chapter 34

She felt Jon tense behind her and then relax. Long moments passed before he spoke, “you want to what?” He wasn’t sure he had heard her correctly. Frannie looked up at him, “you heard me.” He shook his head, “you’re out of your mind.” She propped herself up so she could look at him. She noted the look of surprise on his face and the myriad of questions in his eyes. She rose from the chair and he grabbed her arm, “you drop something like that on me and then you leave, where are you going?” She smiled and pulled her arm from his grip, “I’m going to go take a shower. Just think about it, okay?” She kissed him and went inside.

Jon thought about her request. could I really let her do that? How many times have I been approached for pictures like that? What would the guys say? What would other people say? If I said yes, could I convince her to keep it to herself? Why does she want to? What does she see in me that would make her want to draw me like that?

When he went inside he found Frannie drying her hair. He stood and watched, not saying anything just yet. She straightened, flipping her hair back and saw him watching her. He wasn’t smiling but he wasn’t frowning either, she wondered if that was good or bad. He didn’t say anything as she passed him and went to the dresser for underwear and then to the closet. She pulled on a soft cottony sundress and turned back to him. “Are you going to say something?”

He crossed the room to stand in front of her. “Why?”

Frannie took his hand and led him over to the full length mirror, “what do you see when you look in the mirror?” She was curious as to how he saw himself. He looked at himself, trying to see what she saw. All he saw was a 46 year-old man, nobody special, just John. Frannie stepped up beside him, “well?” He looked down at her and then back in the mirror again, “I see me, a 46 year-old guy with blue eyes, wrinkles and gray chest hair.” Frannie shook her head, “want to know what I see?” He nodded his head, “sure.”

She met his eyes in the mirror, “I see a man who enjoys life.” She traced the lines by his eyes and mouth, “these little lines, evidence of a man who smiles and laughs, a lot. They add character where little was needed.” She moved to his eyes, “these blue eyes,” she stroked his temples lightly with her fingertips as she talked, “they take in every little thing and express more than any words you could ever write.”

Her fingertips slid down along his jaw, resting on his lips, “this mouth is a dangerous weapon. The words you speak, songs you sing with this mouth, you touch people with them both. You can bring a woman to tears or to the height of ecstasy with your mouth alone.” She stopped him when he opened said mouth to say something, “No. I know what I’m talking about; you’ve moved me to both, more than once.” He smiled slightly and shifted restlessly. Her light touch on his skin was making him ache for her.

Frannie continued, moving behind him, running her fingers lightly across his back, kissing him gently, tracing the superman tattoo on his left shoulder with her fingertips before meeting his gaze in the mirror again. “These broad shoulders carry a load that would fall two men, yet you do it without complaint.” She moved to stand in front of him, kissing his lips lightly, “shall I go on?” His head wanted to say no, but his heart won out and “yes” came out of his mouth. She smiled and moved back to his side.

“Your chest is strong and the gray hair is evident of a man aging with grace and dignity. I’ve seen my daughter rest her head here more than once, it brings comfort to her and,” she circled a nipple with her finger tip, “pleasure to me.” He sucked in a breath as her finger scraped over him. Her hands continued their journey lower, across his stomach, coming to rest on his hips. “You have the body of a man who takes care of himself, keeps himself in shape as much for his lifestyle as for the fact that it makes you feel good. It’s no wonder women the world over fawn over you.”

She met his gaze in the mirror again, his eyes were intense, dark. “But that’s just the wrapping. It’s what’s inside is what I want to capture. The charisma, the confidence you exude, the intensity and passion when a project overtakes you, everyone has seen that. I want them to see the John that I get to see everyday. The man who is happy to sit in the floor and play with my baby girl, the man who cries almost as easily as he laughs; the man who got down on his hands and knees and scrubbed blood from the floor so I wouldn’t have to. I want them to see the caring, loving man that I know. I want them to see you with all the rock star celebrity excess stripped away. I want them to see you, just you.”

Jon didn’t know what to say; no one had ever said anything like that to him before. He turned to face her, wrapping his arms around her. He lowered his head, their mouths meeting in a long, slow kiss. Her words were swirling in his head as they kissed and he could feel himself getting lost in her. Without taking his mouth from hers he moved them to the bed, easing her across it. There were no words spoken as he slid her dress up and off, kissing every piece of skin he exposed. When he pulled her panties from her he could see that she was as wet for him as he was hard for her.

When he slid into her the groan was ripped from his throat. As he moved them both closer to the relief they both sought, one word was pulled from him. As they both lost themselves to the ecstasy they brought each other, that one word echoed in the room.

“Yes.”

Chapter 33

Jon rolled in the night to curl himself around Frannie and was surprised to find the bed empty. He sat up and looked around wondering where she was at 3 in the morning. Before he could call to her he heard her in the bathroom. Padding to the bathroom on silent feet he grimaced at the sight before him.

Frannie had woken with her stomach churning. She had barely gotten to the bathroom before heaving her dinner into the toilet. She had been up the better part of an hour and that was how Jon found her. “Baby, are you okay?” She retched again, “does it look like I’m okay? Go back to bed.” He ignored what she said, instead turning to the faucet to wet a cloth and fill a glass with water for her. Dropping down beside her he handed her the cloth and rubbed her back. “When did this start?” He was curious as to how long she had been up. She took the wet cloth and wiped her face, “what time is it now?” He leaned back to look through the door into their bedroom, “just after 3.” She groaned and dropped her head forward to rest on her knees, “an hour” she managed to say before her stomach rebelled again.

When Frannie felt like she might be all right, she leaned back against the wall and took a sip of water. “You should go back to bed Jon, you don’t need to sit here with me.” He studied her for a minute, she was pale and her eyes were puffy, “if you think you’re ready to go back to bed, I’ll tuck you in.” She took another sip of water and started to stand, only to have to lean over the toilet again. “Please Jon, just leave me alone.” He stroked her back one last time before finally leaving her in the bathroom.

The next time Jon opened his eyes the sun was streaming in the windows and he was once again, or maybe still he wasn’t sure, alone. He got up, pulled on some shorts and went into the bathroom. Frannie was lying on the floor, having fallen asleep at some point. He picked her up and carried her into the bedroom, laying her across the bed. “Poor baby” he whispered as he covered her and kissed her forehead.

Frannie woke to find herself in the bed. How did I get here? She didn’t remember coming back to bed. Glancing at the clock she winced, it was past one in the afternoon. She wondered where Jon was as she didn’t hear any noise coming from the other room. She got up and went to the bathroom. After brushing her teeth and hair she pulled on some cotton shorts and a tank top and went out onto the deck from their room. She found Jon and Sophie in the pool. He was floating along on his back with Sophie resting on his chest.

“Hey.”

Jon looked over and stood, cradling Sophie against him, “hey baby, how are you feeling?” Frannie curled up on the chaise, “like a dishtowel that was wrung out one too many times.” Her stomach muscles ached like she had done nothing but crunches for four hours. “It must have been something I ate last night, but I can’t figure out what.”

Jon got out of the pool and handed Sophie to her so he could dry off. Frannie kissed the baby’s head and was dismayed to see that Sophie wanted nothing to do with her mother. She started to fuss and reached for Jon. At Frannie’s raised eyebrow Jon just shrugged, “what can I say, she loves me.” Frannie just shook her head and smiled, “like mother like daughter I guess.” Jon kissed her as he took Sophie back and sat down. “Okay, let’s see last night we ate pretty much the same thing. We shared our dinners, drank the same wine and had coffee.” He rubbed his chin, “I don’t know babe.”

Frannie turned to face him, “we fed each other bites of our dinners and mine was lobster. What was your seafood medley made up of?” Jon thought for a minute, “scallops, shrimp and mussels I think, maybe conch. Why?” Frannie groaned, “scallops; that had to be it. The last time I ate them this happened. I should have known.”

“Do you think you want anything now?” Jon thought maybe she should at least drink something if not try to eat something light anyway. Frannie shook her head, “the thought of food is not even remotely appealing right now. I could probably drink something though.” Jon stood and held out his hand, “let’s go see what we’ve got.” Together they headed into the kitchen and Jon poured Frannie some juice before taking Sophie to her room to change her. Frannie followed to see just how well he would manage.

Standing in the doorway she fell a little more in love with Jon as she watched him blow raspberries on Sophie’s belly before doing a surprisingly good job getting her into a clean diaper and dry clothes. “Nice job” she told him as he picked Sophie up and turned toward the door. “You didn’t think I knew what I was doing did you?” Frannie shook her head, “you’ve got four kids I hope you know what you’re doing.” He laughed, “yeah well, it’s not my favorite job, but at least this one was only wet.” Frannie chuckled, “you’re lucky.” He nodded his head and smiled, “you get the next one.”

Geena came back and Jon and Frannie were able to spend the rest of the afternoon lounging on the deck. Jon occupied one chaise, Frannie the other. She was sketching and he was going back and forth between the book he had brought and watching Frannie. He had watched her draw before and yet the way her hand moved across the paper always got his skin itching for her touch. The way her bottom lip was pulled between her teeth made him want to run his tongue over it and soothe the marks away. He shifted in his chair, trying to ease the growing ache between his legs.

Frannie knew he was watching her, could feel his eyes on her. She was doing her best to concentrate on what she was doing, but it was getting increasingly difficult. She flipped the page and started to draw him instead. She knew she could draw him a million different ways and still not capture the essence of him. Her mouth twitched into a devilish smile, would he let me? She wanted to ask but she wasn’t sure what he would think of the idea. “Jon.” He looked over at her, “what babe?”

She moved over onto his chair with him, settling herself between his legs, resting against his chest. “Would you let me draw you again?” He kissed the top of her head “aren't you tired of drawing me yet?” He felt her head move against him “no, and I don’t think I ever could be. But this would be different.” He took the sketch book and pencil from her hands, setting them on the table before wrapping his arms around her, “how would this be different?” She tried to hide her smile as she tilted her head to look up at him.

“I want to draw you nude.”

Chapter 32

For long moments they stood there in the moonlight, looking at each other, Jon waiting for Frannie to say something. “Baby?” She raised her eyes to his and he could see the tears that had gathered there, “what’s wrong?” Frannie shook her head slightly, “nothing. You love me?” His fingers grazed her cheek lightly, catching a tear that had escaped, “I do baby.”

The longer she stayed quiet the more nervous Jon got. He hoped he hadn’t scared her, but he had needed to tell her how he felt. It had been building most of the day and he had to get it out. “Frannie, you don’t need to…” she stopped him with a finger on his lips, “I love you too Jon. I just needed a minute for what you said to sink in.” He pulled her hand away from his mouth and lowered his head to hers, stealing her senses with his lips.

When Jon’s mouth left hers, Frannie moaned at the loss. He left a trail of light kisses down her neck, running light circles with the tip of his tongue in the hollow where neck met shoulder. Frannie felt his fingers toying with the straps of her dress and she stopped him, “not out here Jon.” He skimmed his hands lightly down her arms, bent and picked up their shoes. “Come on baby, let’s go.”

They approached the villa and it was dark, save the light Frannie had left on in their room. Letting Frannie enter ahead of him, Jon dropped their shoes right inside the door, sliding it shut behind them. “Now, where were we?” He pulled her back against him, moving her hair out of the way before nuzzling in her neck, kissing up by her ear, nibbling on her lobe. Frannie closed her eyes against the flood of sensations running through her.

She could feel his arousal pressing against her and she reached behind her. Her hands stroked his powerful thighs before sliding up and caressing him through the light material of his pants. As she reached for the button he stilled her hands, “not yet baby.” He rested her hands at her sides and felt for the zipper on her dress. He followed the path of the zipper slowly with his mouth, leaving hot, open-mouthed kisses down her back. Straightening, he gave the straps a nudge and sent the dress to the floor, leaving Frannie in the scrap of red lace that he had caught a glimpse of earlier.

They moved to the bed together, Frannie helping rid him of his shirt, then stopping to stroke the skin that had been burnished gold by the afternoon sun. Her mouth followed the path her hands took, pausing to trace each nipple with her tongue, sucking lightly before nibbling her way back to his mouth. As her tongue invaded his mouth, her hand opened his pants, slipping inside to stroke him slowly. With her free hand she pushed at his pants, letting them fall to pool at his feet. Pulling her mouth from his, she slid to her knees in front of him, leaving a trail of kisses down his chest and across the flat of his stomach.

Jon sucked in a breath when he felt Frannie’s warm breath on him, then her tongue laving across his balls. His hands wound in her hair as she ran her tongue up the hardened length of him, circling the head, then slowing taking the whole of him in her mouth. She reveled in the feel of him, soft and hard at the same time. She moved her mouth slowly, savoring his flavor. When she took him deep she was rewarded with his low groan of approval.

With long sure strokes of her mouth she drew him closer to ecstasy. When he was close he urged her to stop, wanting to be inside her when he came. “Frannie, baby” he tugged his hands from her hair and pushed her back, helping her to her feet. He slid his hands around and down to cup her ass as he kissed her hungrily. Turning them, he gave her a nudge and, feeling the bed behind her, she lay across it. Jon slipped her panties from her, trailing his fingers up her leg and lightly tracing the insides of her thighs. Her scent called to him and he pushed her legs apart, needing to taste her. He ran his tongue up and down, teasing her clit and then dipping inside. Frannie was writhing on the bed above him, crying out as her orgasm washed over her. Jon lifted his head and moved over her, teasing her nipples as he slid into her.

“Baby, look at me.” Jon waited for her. She opened her eyes, trying to focus on him. “I love you” he told her as he moved, sliding out and then driving home again. They moved together, urging each other on. He laced his fingers with hers as he moved in her, “I love you” he told her again as they found their release together.