After delicious beef and vegetable fajitas, they spent the afternoon in the studio. Julianna couldn’t believe she was actually going to be singing and playing – for real – with Bon Jovi! This was a totally different experience than the jam session they had with her brothers. The air wasn’t as light. Everyone was very serious, and they would run through the same 16 or 20 measures over and over again, until Jon was satisfied. He had the music spread out on Julianna’s desk, and was making small changes and notations as they worked.
So far, Julianna wasn’t doing much of anything; just listening and learning. Jon wanted her to show them, to play for them, the sections of the music he noted earlier that day. Nodding, she went to the back of the room, and opened the door to her guitar “closet” just enough to slip through.
This was one of her favorite rooms ever. Racks lined two of the walls, filled with all sorts of guitars. One wall held dozens of varieties of electric guitars, from Les Paul, Fender (both Strats and Teles), Ibanez, and Jay Turser. She had some vintage guitars, her pride and joy being a ’62 Fender Jaguar. She even had one of the violet Sambora signature Kramers from the late 80’s. The rack with her acoustics held guitars in different colors and woods from Martin, Fender, Gretsch, and Taylor, among others. She had 6-strings, 12-strings, one double-neck that she was still learning to work with, and some beautiful guitars from Italy and Spain. A few, her brother Nicky had made for her.
One wall held several different amps, and bins with strings, different kinds of picks, straps, slides, cables, and pickups. There was one long, low table covered with various tools, and what looked like a guitar in progress.
Julianna pulled her favorite ice blue Strat from the racks, and grabbed an old Gibson for the other part she knew Jon was going to want to hear. Turning to leave the room, for although she called it her closet, it was nearly as big as her library; she was surprised to see Richie standing there, shock on his face.
“Are these all yours?” he asked; his voice full of awe. He took in the racks of axes, the guitar-building table, the amps, all of it.
“Mostly,” she answered, setting her guitars down. “Some of them belong to my brothers, but most are mine. I collect them, as if you couldn’t guess; have since high school. I’ve played them all, of course. Some of them my brothers made for me; those are some of my favorites. Come on in, take a look around.”
Richie walked around the room, reverently touching and examining nearly everything. He grinned when he saw the Kramer. “I should autograph this for you,” he said, laughing. He picked up the Spanish Alvarez 12-string that Julianna received as a gift from an overzealous patron, and looked at Julianna. She nodded, smiling. Richie sat on one of the stools in the room, checked to make sure it was in tune, and began a spirited Flamenco. Julianna reached for her Italian Galanti that she picked up at auction a few years ago, and joined in. The two instruments blended flawlessly.
Jon, wondering what the hell was taking so long, stalked across the room, ready to give them shit for sneaking off to neck. He stopped at the threshold of the room and just stared. Two dark heads were bent over dark mahogany guitars. Eyes were closed, fingers flying, they were on another planet altogether. Gesturing to get Dave and Tico’s attention, he put a finger to his lips and motioned them over. The three of them stood there, watching their friend and his lady playing. This is almost more intimate than what I saw this morning, Jon thought.
Julianna could feel eyes watching her. She couldn’t make herself break away from their playing. This was yet another of her fantasies come true – playing guitar with one of her idols. She knew they needed to get to work, but she didn’t really want to just now. She sighed, and stopped playing. Under her breath she muttered, “Rich, we’ve got company.”
Richie looked up and saw his friends standing there. “Sorry guys,” he said, not meaning it at all, “but can you blame me? Look at this room! Look at this guitar!” He brought the Alvarez to Jon, presenting it like a rare find. “Look around – Jules’ collection rivals mine. She has some I haven’t had a chance to play.” He took in the look on his friends’ faces. “Okay, okay,” he chuckled. “Work now, play later. I’ve got it.”
Everyone laughed, and made to leave the room. Julianna, grabbing her selected guitars, started to follow. She noticed Richie lovingly setting the Alvarez back on its stand, looking at it longingly. Her heart melted. “Rich, take the Alvarez.”
“Huh?” he said, distracted, still trailing a hand down the smooth wood.
“Take it,” Julianna repeated, putting down her Strat so she could turn Richie’s face towards hers. “I said, ‘take the Alvarez’.”
“Julianna, I can’t take that.”
“Yes, Rich, you can. It was made for your fingers. It was magic in your hands. Please, take it. I want you to have it.”
Richie looked at her, at the honest admiration in her eyes, and smiled widely. “Really?”
Juliana laughed. When he smiles like that, his whole face lights up, and he looks 25 again. She kissed him soundly. “Really.”
Richie kissed her back. “Thank you, truly. I’ll show you how much I appreciate this later.”
“Let’s go, you two,” Jon called from the studio.
Julianna picked up the Strat and the two went back out to the studio. She ran through what she had done in those sections of the song until she thought her fingers were going to have permanent string marks. Once Jon was satisfied, and had all the necessary notations on the music, he stood, stretching his back and removing his glasses. “Alright,” he said. “I think we’ve got it. Jules, you still want to wait until Saturday to start? Or, since you’re back…” he trailed off.
“I still have to unpack from my trip,” Julianna answered, “and I have lunch plans with my mother tomorrow. But, I can be back here afterwards. You guys can come on by anytime; I’ll give you a key. I’ll be back by two at the latest. Does that work for you?”
Jon nodded. “That’ll be fine. The sooner we start, the sooner we can put work behind us, and enjoy the summer.”
Julianna laughed. “Speak for yourself, pretty boy. Once we’re done with the song, I still have to stage it and teach it to the company. You all enjoy your summer here; I’ll be in the city working – Labor Day weekend, and the opening night of my show, will be here before I know it. Now,” she said, not noticing the stricken look on Richie’s face, “here is a set of keys.” She pulled a key ring from the center drawer of her desk. “These are the keys to the studio and the cottage. Feel free to come and go as you please out here, and help yourself to the cottage when I’m not around, and come by if I am, if you find you need something.” She tossed them to Jon. “You guys work as long as you like; I’ve gotta get started in the cottage. Rich, walk me home?”
“Of course,” he replied.
Julianna exchanged kisses and hugs with the others, and Richie trailed her down the stairs. “Don’t make me come after you, Rich,” Jon threatened from upstairs. “Because you know I will.” They could hear the others laughing. Smiling, the pair slowly walked arm-in-arm, back to the cottage.
Stopping on the deck, Richie kissed Julianna thoroughly. “Jon wasn’t kidding when he said he’d come after me if I’m gone too long.”
“I could tell,” Julianna said, clinging to Richie’s shoulders.
“I don’t know how long we’ll be working up there,” he said, “but I’d like to be with you tonight.”
“I’d like that, too. Hang on, don’t move.” Julianna disappeared into the house, and came back with a small key. “This unlocks the slider in my bedroom,” she said blushing. “Use it anytime.”
Richie took the key and put it in his shirt pocket, over his heart. Patting the key, he said, “We’ve really just jumped into this thing, haven’t we?”
“I know, I think so too.” Julianna sunk to the top step of the deck. “It’s not what I intended, and I know it’s not what you intended, but I do feel as if I know you – the real you, not just the persona – oh, I can’t explain it. I feel as if we’ve known each other forever, yet I don’t know your favorite color, or if you can ride a horse, or if you can swim, or...” she trailed off, flapping a hand, “… or any of a thousand little things. But,” she shook her head. “You’re in my head all day, and you’re in my heart, Rich. I don’t know how you snuck in there, but you’re there.”
Richie was just staring at her. Is she saying what I think she’s saying? “Julianna,” he sat beside her, taking her hand. “I feel the same way. We’re like kindred spirits. I feel connected to you in such a grand way, with my whole being.” He smiled. “And, for the record, yes, I can swim, no, I can’t ride a horse, but would love to learn, and my favorite color is the shade of midnight your eyes turn when we make love. You’re in my heart too, Julianna. I tried to keep you out, thinking it’s too soon,” he shook his head. “But, there you are.”
Jon paused, standing still in the shadows between the studio and the cottage. He felt his heart squeeze. He’d heard their last exchange, and didn’t have the heart to pull his friend away to work. Not now. Tomorrow was soon enough. Pulling out his phone, he sent a text to Richie: “Don’t worry about working tonight. Stay with your lady.” He turned to go back to the studio, smiling.
Richie, feeling the phone vibrate in his pocket, chuckled. “I guess that’s my cue,” he said. Standing up and pulling Julianna with him, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I will be back.”
“I’ll be waiting. Anxiously.” Julianna pulled Richie into a tight embrace and swept her tongue around the rim of his ear, making him shiver.
“Witch,” he growled, devouring her mouth.
“You know it babe,” she said when they finally came up for air. She swatted his ass. “Go to work. I’ll see you when you get ho— er -- when you get back.” She hurried into the house. For Christ’s sake, Jules, she thought. What the hell were you thinking?
Richie stood, dumbstruck, thinking about what Julianna had said – well almost said. He had to admit, he felt more at home here with her than he had in Malibu these past months. Still, to hear her say it, it felt good. “She’s more than in my heart,” he muttered. “She is my heart.”
Chapter 30: Guitar Heaven
Chapter 29: Extra Credit
Standing in the shower, letting the cool water sluice over her body, Julianna braced her hands on the wall and shook her head. What the hell did she just do? She had never been shy about her body, but had never really been a brazen person, either. Laughing to herself as she recalled the look on Jon’s face when she winked at him, she thought, this will certainly make our working relationship interesting.
Turning off the water and stepping from the shower, she heard her version of the finale coming from the kitchen. She groaned. Quickly braiding her hair, she left the bathroom to get dressed.
Clad in a leotard and jogging shorts, she followed the sound of her voice to the kitchen. “Rich, you’ve got to stop listening to that. It’s nothing – not even worth it.” She stopped short as she reached the kitchen threshold. All four of them were sitting around her kitchen table, listening to her recording. Jon, reading glasses perched on the end of his nose, had the sheet music he had sent her spread on the table, and he was making notations.
“You call him Rich?” Dave asked, arching an eyebrow.
“What? Oh, yeah,” Julianna mumbled. “It’s his name after all.” She hurried to turn off the music, and braced herself on the counter, taking a deep breath. Time to eat crow. She turned, saying, “Guys, I’m sorry. You weren’t supposed to hear that.” She shot daggers at Richie, who was smiling like the cat who swallowed the canary. “This is just me messing around with your music last night. I won’t let it influence my work with you, I promise.”
Jon just looked at her. “You did that all of that by yourself? In one night?”
Julianna blushed. “Well, it did take a few hours to do.”
Tico laughed. “Jon, hire her man. Seriously.” He looked at Julianna. “It took us days to get something together that Mr. Picky over there liked, even after he had all written out for us. Even though your version is missing a drum line and bass, you did something amazing in a couple of hours.”
Julianna looked at Jon, surprise on her face. “Y-you like it? You aren’t angry?”
“I’m angry, but with myself, not with you. Your interpretation here,” he motioned for her to join him at the table, where he pointed at a series of measures that Julianna had taken some liberties with. “That’s perfect. I wasn’t completely happy with what we had done, but this, this is fantastic. And here,” he shuffled through the pages to find some of his other notes. “This that you did here with the sax? It worked. We’re going to have to get someone to play sax on the track.”
Richie smiled. “We can get Gianni. He’d flip.”
Jon, in work-mode, flapped a hand at him. “Whatever. Julianna,” he looked at her. “We’re going to have to give you an arrangement credit on this one, too. We’re going to use some of your ideas.”
Julianna sat down hard on one of the chairs. “Holy Hell,” she said. “You can’t be serious,” she said to Jon.
Richie came to stand behind Julianna, and put his hands on her shoulders. She covered his left with her right, and turned to look into his eyes. “He’s not serious, is he?” she asked.
“As serious as a heart attack, babe. Jon doesn’t mess around with work. Look at him.” Julianna did. Jon didn’t seem to notice any of them. He was in his own world, making notations and corrections on the music in front of him. “He never says anything he doesn’t mean – especially when it comes to business.” He squeezed her shoulders.
“You’re running with the big boys now, Jules,” Dave said, smiling.
She looked askance at Dave. “Did you just call me Jules?” He nodded. “Only my brothers call me by that silly nickname,” she said, snickering. “Are you my brothers now?”
“See?” Dave looked around at his friends. “She gets it.” He turned his attention back to Julianna. “The way I figure it, you’re with Rich now, which makes you our sister by default. So, we get to use your nickname.”
Tico pulled up a chair close to Julianna. “So, tell us, Jules, how does Brother Rich do in the sack?
Caught off guard, Julianna’s eyes went wide, and she started to laugh. She laughed long and hard, and her laughter was infectious. Even Jon couldn’t resist a chuckle, though he had no idea why he was laughing. “What’s so funny?” he asked.
Julianna caught her breath. “Teek here,” she looked at him, “I get to use your nicknames, too, brother dear, wants to know how Rich measures up in the sack.” She wiped the tears from her eyes, and a mischievous twinkle replaced them. “Why don’t you give them your opinion, Jon. Tell ‘em what you saw this morning.”
Jon’s complexion paled. “Jesus, Julianna.”
“What, is it a secret?” Julianna demanded. “The three of you were skulking around outside my bedroom windows; you’re all a bunch of stalkers. What did you expect to see?”
“You heard us?” Dave laughed.
“Yep,” Julianna confirmed. “You are not a quiet bunch of men. Anyway, after Davey and Teek scurried away, and Jon stayed behind, well, Rich and I thought we’d put on a little show.” She looked up adoringly into Richie’s eyes, and then turned back to Jon. “And I guess you got quite an eyeful, huh?”
“Not really,” Jon answered, grinning. “All the good bits were either covered by Sambora’s hands or your sheets.” He winked. “By the way, what’s with the ‘Rich’ thing? Usually, nobody calls him that but us.”
Julianna stood to loop an arm around Richie’s waist. “’Richie’ is his rock star name. When he’s here with me, he’s not in rock star mode. He’s just a regular guy who happened to spend the night,” she winked at Tico, “and also happened to give me a night I’ll never forget. And Tico, for the record, he does quite well in the sack, and in the kitchen as well.” She gave Richie a loud, smacking kiss on the lips. “Any other questions?” she demanded.
Tico laughed and shook his head. “No, ma’am. I’m good.”
Dave looked at her. “I actually do have another question. Is it true that you can really kick the shit out of a 300 pound guy?”
Julianna laughed. “Only if he’s standing still in my studio. I haven’t tried sparring, but I understand it’s tougher than most people think. Now, who’s hungry? It’s nearly lunchtime, and I haven’t eaten since last night.” She started to bustle around the kitchen, pulling food from the fridge and pantry.
Richie, seeing what she was doing, asked, “Where’re the pans?” Julianna pointed to a cupboard, and Richie pulled out a huge skillet. “Will this work?”
“Yep,” Julianna replied. She plopped a basket of peppers and onions onto the table, along with a cutting boards and knives. “We need sous-chefs. Someone dice the onions, someone cut the peppers. Someone else get coffee going – I need the caffeine.”
“Jesus,” Jon said. “She’s just as bad as Rich in the kitchen. This is definitely meant to be.”
Chapter 28: Good Morning, Little Sister
Late the next morning, Jon stumbled into the kitchen in search of coffee. Richie was usually the first one up, and had a pot brewing. This morning, there was no smell of coffee. Groaning, he set about making a pot. Dave and Tico soon joined him in the kitchen.
“Where’s Sambora?” Jon asked.
Dave and Tico looked at each other and broke out in grins. “Is his truck still gone?” Dave asked. Tico went to go check, and came back with thumbs-up and a grin. Dave returned the gesture, and said to Jon, “He went to Jules’ last night for dinner, and looks like he stayed the night.”
“Jules?” Jon said.
“Yeah, it’s what her brothers call her,” Dave answered. “If she’s Richie’s lady now, and he’s our brother, that makes her our sister, and we get to use her nickname.”
“Dave,” Jon said, “sometimes I marvel at how your mind works.”
“So,” Tico said, “should we go and welcome her to the family?” He grinned wickedly.
“I dunno,” Dave said. “You suppose they’re still in bed?”
Jon just gave him a look. “Dave, this is Sambora we’re talking about here. What do you think?”
Dave laughed. “You’re right. Yeah, let’s go welcome our new little sister to the family, Bon Jovi style.”
* * * * *
Julianna was dreaming. She was playing hide-and-seek in a big abandoned house with Richie. Ducking into a closet, and closing her eyes, she waited to see if she’d be found. She heard a soft knocking on the door, and a trio of voices calling softly, “Hello! You in there?” Julianna frowned. She knew these voices, but they weren’t playing the game. In the dream, Julianna opened her eyes, watching as the closet walls wavered in front of her eyes. The knocking grew more insistent. A very male, very sleepy voice mumbled in her ear, “What the fuck?” Opening her eyes, she wasn’t sure if she was awake or still asleep. She must be asleep, still dreaming. She was pretty sure she was staring into the beautiful brown eyes of –
“Good morning, baby,” Richie said. “I think there’s someone knocking on your window, and I’m pretty sure he’s a dead man. I’ll bet they’re all out there. I don’t think they know we’re awake yet.” He smiled and kissed her. “They’ve come to welcome you to the family. It’s tradition that when one of us meets someone new, the others are assholes the first morning after, well, you know.”
Julianna smiled, and whispered, “You guys are too much.”
Richie laughed as the knocking got slightly louder, and he could hear the voices of his friends outside, laughing and talking, although he couldn’t make out the words. Probably, they were trying to think of a way to wake up Richie without waking Julianna. Too late. Richie whispered back to Julianna, “I’ll get rid of them. Pretend you’re still asleep. If you let on that you know they’re there, it’ll only make it worse.”
She chuckled low and kissed him. Keeping her back to the windows, she maneuvered under the covers until she was sitting astride Richie. Richie, shocked, looked at her, as she smiled wickedly. “What’re you doing?” he gasped.
“Darlin’, if you don’t know,” Julianna laughed, “then I’m doing it wrong. I am not letting you out of my bed this morning without a proper good morning. They can’t see anything. You OK with this?”
“What does it feel like, babe?” he asked, grinning.
Her hair fell in loose waves down her back. She pulled Richie up for a kiss, keeping herself between him and the window. Smiling wickedly, she pushed him back and started rocking on him. They heard footsteps scurrying away from the window – there was no other word for it – and Tico’s low laugh. Giggling, Julianna looked down at Richie. “I think they’ve learned their lesson about peeking into other people’s windows.”
Richie chanced a glance over Julianna’s shoulder. He could see Jon still looking in the window. “Nope,” Richie whispered, “Teek and Dave may have learned, but Jon’s a bit slow.”
“Oh. Well,” Julianna said quietly, bending to kiss Richie’s mouth, “what do we do now? Should we see if he’ll catch on?” Julianna waited a minute, looking for a hint of reluctance in Richie’s features. She didn’t see any. “I won’t be offended if you want to wait.”
“No, baby,” Richie drawled. “I’m – ahem – up for it if you are. Adventurous, are we?”
“Only when I’m really comfortable with someone, and if I’m sure the person will play along with my games,” she answered.
“Play away, my sweet,” Richie said, grinning. Damn, what a woman, he thought. She was getting more and more interesting every day.
Eyes closed she arched her back until her supple body rested on Richie’s legs, her hair covering her breasts. Richie took the opportunity to find the hard nub between her legs and pinch it gently. Julianna moaned, keeping her eyes closed so Jon wouldn’t know that she was on to him. Richie pulled her up into a hug, and looked over her shoulder at the stunned expression on his best friend’s face. He chuckled wickedly.
“I think you just made me his God,” Richie whispered, a low rumbling in his chest.
“Does he know I’m onto him?” Julianna asked.
“I don’t think so.”
“Did he take off yet? As much fun being watched is, I think I’d prefer to finish this in private today.”
Richie peeked around Julianna’s shoulder and saw Jon still standing there, a look of shock on his face.
“Nope, he’s still there. Probably too stunned to move. What should we do? I’m in no condition to get out of bed right now, if you catch my meaning.”
“Leave it to me,” Julianna said. She pulled Richie into another kiss, and put his hands on her breasts.
“Keep me modest, OK, babe?”
Richie laughed huskily. “There’s nothing remotely modest about this, but I’ll keep you covered”
Gathering her hair over her head, she arched back again. This time, she locked eyes with Jon, winked at him, and blew him a kiss. Jon started, blushed, and backed away, shaking his head.
Julianna laughed delightedly. “I think that’s been taken care of. Now, onto other business…” Trailing her fingers along Richie’s chest, Julianna started to ride him slowly. When Richie reached for her, she captured his hands and pinned them alongside his head. “Baby, let me take care of you,” she said. She rode him hard, feeling the tension in his wrists. His eyes started to roll back in his head and Julianna quickened her pace.
“Oh God, Julianna!” Richie rasped. “I’m – I’m – aaah,” he groaned, emptying into her. His pulsing climax triggered her own release, and she cried out in pleasure. Melting onto him, she kissed Richie’s neck.
“Good morning, baby,” she said, smiling.
Chapter 27: At Last
Richie carried her to the bed and lowered her gently to the floor. He tore the duvet from the bed, and pulled down the sheets. Stripping the tank top off her completely, he let his hands roam over her lithe body. Julianna sat on the bed, and scooted back, opening her arms in invitation.
Richie joined her on the bed, wrapping her in his arms, covering her with his body. Julianna looped a leg around his, and pulled them closer together. He could feel her wetness through their remaining barriers, and nearly lost control. “Baby, if you don’t cut that out, I’ll be done before we start.”
“Darlin',” she said, looking deep into his eyes, “I’ve got all night.”
“Damn, woman,” he said, and ravaged her mouth again. He rolled her onto her back, and kissed his way down her neck to her breasts; small firm, and perfect. He laved one stiff peak, while he rolled the other between his fingers. Julianna arched from the bed with a breathless gasp.
“Damn it, man,” she said. “I may have all night, but I swear, I may die if you make me wait too much longer!”
Richie chuckled. “Can’t have you dying on me, can we? Um, my jeans are in the kitchen, and…”
Julianna interrupted. “I haven’t been with anyone since before the divorce, and I never stopped taking the Pill. If you’re…”
“I am. And for the record, it’s been a long while for me, too.”
“Then,” she said, kissing him, “what are we waiting for?” She hooked a leg around his thigh and flipped them over so she was straddling his hips. Richie gave a laugh of surprise. Julianna smiled at him. “Remember when I said I was bendy?” He nodded, desire etched in his features. “Well, I’m also very, very strong.” She dragged his boxers down his legs, groaning when his huge erection sprang free. “Damn, baby, is that all for me?”
Richie nodded. “Worried?”
“Oh no,” she said, appreciatively, “not at all.” She took him in her mouth, tasting him while she pulled her thong off. Richie arched off the bed, moaning her name. Pressing a final kiss to his tip, she positioned herself over him and sunk slowly onto his length. She could feel him stretching her, filling her completely. She moaned with pleasure at the sensation.
Richie looked at Julianna’s face, her eyes closed as she slowly rode him. It had taken all his restraint not to come the instant she touched him. God, what she did to him! He hadn’t felt that out of control in a good, long while. He reached for Julianna’s hands and pulled her down so she was lying on his chest. He reached behind her to free her hair from its knot. Damp tresses fell on either side of his head, surrounding him with a faint scent of melons. He smiled. She would forever be linked with that smell in his mind. He kissed her hungrily as she continued to move above him.
“Darlin’,” he whispered, between kisses.
“Hmmmm?”
“I’m also very, very strong.” With that, he flipped them so he was on top of her, making her giggle. Julianna grabbed the sinewy forearms that were braced on either side of her head, and lifted her legs to lock her ankles behind his back, taking him ever so slightly deeper, and making him growl. With long, slow strokes, he moved in and out of her. “God, Julianna, you feel so good.”
“Mmmm, Rich, so do you. Real good. Oh!” Her eyes closed involuntarily, as she felt the tightening in her womb.
“Open your eyes, baby, I want to watch you,” Richie whispered, his face inches from hers. Her eyes flew open, locking onto his. Julianna dropped her feet to the bed so she could raise her hips and match his rhythm, making him slam harder into her with every thrust. Richie’s eyes started to glaze over, and his jaw clenched.
He could feel her tightening around him, squeezing him impossibly hard. Julianna’s grip on his arms locked down. “Harder, Rich, please,” she begged. He slammed into her with such force, her eyes widened in surprise. “Oh, yes!” she said with a strangled breath. “More, please!” she begged.
Richie could feel her start to slip over the edge. He quickened his pace, ramming her harder and faster. He captured her scream of release with his mouth, groaning as her orgasm triggered his. He pumped into her, filling her with his seed. When they were both spent, he rolled to one side, taking Julianna with him. She threw a leg over his hips to keep him from sliding completely from her body.
Julianna, her head pillowed on Richie’s bicep, trailed a hand down the side of his face, marveling at what she saw there. He was looking at her like she was the only woman in the world. Right now, she felt as if they were the only two people on Earth. She said as much to him. He grinned a slow, sexy grin, and turned his head to kiss her palm.
“Sweetheart, I think I may just be the luckiest man on the planet right now.” He cupped her face and stared into eyes that were still hooded, and dark with passion. Any man would sell his soul to spend forever looking into those eyes, he thought. Whoa, where did forever come from?
Julianna sighed and turned her own head to kiss Richie’s palm. She snuggled in closer and let her hand roam over his chest and back, reaching down to pinch his ass.
“Ouch!” Richie complained. “What was that for?”
Julianna giggled. “I’ve wanted to do that since the first time I saw you on stage. Granted, Jon shows his ass quite a bit more to the ladies than you do, but it was always yours that I wanted to touch. Do you know, I always buy tickets on stage right so I could watch you walk away when you joined Jon center stage to sing? Then I could watch you walk back to me. At least, that’s what I always pretended you were doing.”
Richie chuckled. “So, are you a rabid fan? Or a normal one.”
“I’d say a pretty normal one. I don’t get tickets to every show, or follow you guys around the country or anything like that, but I do buy all the releases, and trade bootlegs with my friends, and go see you whenever you played in whatever town I would be in at the time.” She smiled. “I wouldn’t stake out the hotels or anything, but would see you perform at least once per tour. How could I not? You guys were my all-time favorite band.”
“Were?” Richie stuck out a lip in a fake pout. Julianna laughed and sucked on his lip.
“You still are, don’t worry.” She looked into his eyes, her face very serious. “But, you are far more than ‘Richie Sambora, Rock Star’ to me. You’re a very nice guy named Rich that I happened to meet under, shall we say peculiar circumstances, and I think God that Thunder, my horse, ran for the lake that day.”
“I’m glad too,” Richie said, his voice thick for emotion. “Thank you for seeing behind the name to the man beneath.” He kissed her tenderly, and she could feel him starting to stiffen inside her. Richie showed her with his body just how glad and thankful he was.
Chapter 26: Sweet Seduction
Richie’s eyes followed her as she turned off the oven and bent to remove the casserole and put it on the stove top. With a growl, he was out of his chair and plastered himself to her before she could turn around. He wrapped his arms around her waist and nipped at her neck. “Let it sit,” he said.
“It’s better reheated anyway,” Julianna answered, lifting her arms so she could reach his hair again. “God, I love your hair,” she said, sighing, letting her fingers wind themselves in the silky locks.
“And I love your hands in my hair,” Richie whispered between kisses. “God, baby, I’d love your hands anywhere; everywhere.”
“Let me move,” she begged. “I need to feel your skin.”
Richie spun Julianna around so they were face to face. “You sure about this?”
“Shut up and kiss me,” she said with a sly smile. They locked their mouths together hungrily, and maneuvered until Richie was leaning against the counter. Richie could feel Julianna’s hands pulling, yanking his shirt from his waistband. She reached under to touch his back. He groaned, deepening the kiss. Julianna’s fingers left trails of fire everywhere they touched.
Julianna was reveling in the solid strength of Richie’s back muscles, quivering as they bunched and shifted with his movements. She wanted to feel more of him. Julianna broke the kiss long enough to tear open his shirt, literally, sending buttons flying everywhere.
Richie laughed huskily. “Anxious are we? This is my favorite shirt, you know.”
“I’ll buy you a new one,” Julianna answered, distractedly, as she let her hands learn the contours of his sculpted torso. “Someone’s been working out,” she commented. Richie closed his eyes, enjoying her explorations, his own hands spanning Julianna’s waist, anchoring her to him.
Julianna angled her head to kiss Richie’s neck. She could feel his heat and hardness pressing against her. She continued kissing across his broad, smooth chest, her teeth scraping his nipples as she went. At Richie’s quick intake of breath, Julianna smiled. She started to kiss her way down his stomach, her tongue darting into his navel. When she was kneeling before him, worshipping at his feet, she looked up into his face. His eyes were closed, his lips slightly parted, chest heaving. She unsnapped his jeans, and his eyes flew open. He locked his eyes on hers as she lowered his zipper. She watched him swallow hard, as she eased his jeans down.
Julianna smiled at the boxers he wore. They had some smart remark on them about the contents being under pressure. The bulge in front of her certainly looked to be. She chuckled.
“Now’s not a good time to be laughing at my package, witch,” Richie said, amusement in his eyes.
“Not the package,” she said, stroking it reverently, “just the wrapper.” She gave him a squeeze, making his knees buckle. Julianna pulled his boots from his feet and peeled the jeans all the way off. She scored her nails up is legs as she rose making him shiver. Julianna plastered herself to him, and pushed his torn shirt from his shoulders, tossing it behind her. She attached her mouth to his, and wound her arms around his neck.
Richie spun them around so Julianna’s back was to the counter. His fingers found the button on her jeans, and unfastened it. He slowly lowered the zipper, and broke the kiss to drop to the floor in front of her. Slowly, he peeled the denim down her hips. He smiled at the thong she was wearing. “Is this vintage?” he asked, referring to the Slippery logo on the front.
Julianna chuckled, playing with his hair. “No, I got this one during the HAND tour.”
Richie placed a warm kiss on the ‘S’, evoking a gasp from Julianna. Stripping the jeans from her body, he tossed them over his shoulder. Kissing his way back up her leg, he stopped to slide his tongue under the flimsy garment. Julianna’s hands tightened in Richie’s hair, and she sucked in a breath.
“Baby, you’re killing me here,” she rasped.
“That’s the idea, darlin’,” he responded with a low growl.
Raising the hem of her tank top, he noticed a small tattoo on her lower abdomen. “What’s this?” he asked. “My girl’s got ink?”
Julianna’s heart clenched at the effortless endearment. Richie didn’t notice; intent on examining the small decoration on her body. It was a small, perfectly detailed double-necked guitar with “RS” entwined on the body, and a tiny, black, studded cowboy hat, his favorite from the 80’s, on one of the necks. Surprised, he looked up at her.
Julianna blushed. “I got the ink after I saw you perform in San Diego during your solo time. When you sang ‘Midnight Rider’, man, I fell hard, along with a few hundred of my closest girlfriends. Damn, that was sexy. The next day, I went to this fantastic artist friend of mine, and had her do the design. The minute I stepped off the plane back in NY, I went and got it done.” She traced a finger over it. “Mark wanted me to get it removed, the bastard, but I stood my ground. Your music, either what you’d written or what you’d sung, or both, always had a place in my heart; a room in my soul.”
Richie wasn’t sure what to think. He reverently kissed the guitar. “I think it’s beautifully done, and a beautiful sentiment. I’m flattered, truly.” He chuckled. “Sometimes, I forget that you’re a fan, too, and that I’m ‘that guy’.” He stood to take her in his arms. “You make me feel like just plain Rich: a regular guy with a regular girl living a regular life.” He kissed her. “I can’t tell you how much that fills my heart with joy.”
Julianna’s eyes filled with happy tears as she pulled him into a deep kiss. Richie scooped her up into his arms and carried her through the house to her bedroom. He looked at her before crossing the threshold. “Last chance to say ‘no’, darlin’,” he said
“Now, why would I do that?” Julianna asked. “Take me to bed, Rich,” she said. “Please.”
Chapter 25: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?
Julianna hung up the phone, hands shaking. After putting the ziti casserole in the oven, and setting the timer, she dashed to the bathroom for a quick shower. She had to wash the city off of her.
Richie found he couldn’t wait a half hour. He had to see her now. He rushed through a shower, and within minutes was on his way out the door. Tico stopped him as he was halfway out the front door. “Where are you going in such a hurry?”
“Julianna’s back, and I’m going over for a late supper, and to hear about her trip,” Riche replied, impatient to be off.
“Sounds good, can we come?” Tico asked, laughing.
“Come where?” Dave asked, coming into the great room.
“To Julianna’s for a late dinner,” Richie said, “and no, you can’t.”
“Spoilsport,” Tico said, laughing harder.
Richie grinned and bolted before anyone else could waylay him. He all but sprinted to his truck. He wasn’t wasting any time; he could drive over there quicker than he could walk. He pulled in front of Julianna’s cottage, and went around back, going in through the kitchen. The heavenly aroma of fresh sauce and mozzarella cheese wafted over him. Richie called out, “Julianna, where are you?” Straining his ears, he could hear water running and faint singing.
Following the sounds, he found himself outside Julianna’s bathroom door. He hesitated, a hand on the doorknob. Deciding to let her set the pace, he knocked instead. “Hey, babe, I’m here,” he called through the door.
“Hey, there! You’re early! Dinner will be ready in a little while – go make yourself at home.” She hesitated for a moment. “I’m nearly done in here, and will be out soon.”
Richie smiled at the hesitation. So, she didn’t know how to play this either. This was going to be fun. “Hey, you want me to open some wine?”
“I have a Chablis open in the library; if you want something else,” she paused again, “just help yourself.”
“Gotcha. No problem.” He lingered with a hand on the door for a moment, then turned to survey Julianna’s private domain. The bedroom was done in similar colors to his own at the house, but the shades here were much softer, more feminine. Girly touches – filmy scarves, colorful perfume bottles, floral fabrics – dotted the room, painting a very pretty picture. Marquee posters from various Broadway shows lined her walls – some hers and some the standards: Phantom, Les Mis, Cats, and Rent, among others. He jumped when the water shut off, and he bolted from the room. Damn, she has me way to jumpy.
Striding into the kitchen, he helped himself to a beer from the fridge. Spying Julianna’s MP3 player in its dock on the counter, he decided to have a look. You could learn a lot about a person by what she listened to. The current song, played about halfway through, had a cryptic name: P1-S3-G2-X3-A1-V2. He looked at the rest of the play list. It was filled with tracks named with some of the same letter-number combinations. Huh, he thought. He checked out the name of the play list: “T&G”. Curiosity getting the better of him, he pressed play. Julianna’s music and voice filled the kitchen. She was singing the song he and Jon had written. The sound quality was excellent, and Julianna’s voice pure and strong.
While she was getting dressed, Julianna heard the music coming from the kitchen and froze. “Shit!” she said out loud, and hurriedly pulled on jeans and a tank top. She padded quietly toward the kitchen, winding her hair into a knot as she went. Peeking in, she could see Richie sitting at the table, facing the door, his eyes closed, and a slight smile on his lips. His beautiful face showed such happiness, that she had to choke back a sob. She blinked rapidly to clear the sheen of tears from her eyes, and coughed quietly to get Richie’s attention.
Richie opened his expressive brown eyes, and locked them onto hers. “Julianna, this is amazing. When did you do this? How?”
Julianna put her hands in her back pockets, and looked down at the floor. “When I read the music, I couldn’t help myself. I’m sorry – I had to hear it out loud like I did in my heart.” She looked up at him, embarrassed. “I know it’s not the way you guys intended it to sound, and I never meant for you to hear it. I just wanted to get a feel for it before we started rehearsing it. Wanted to be prepared, you know?”
Richie was just staring at her, wonder in his face. Encouraged that he didn’t look upset, she told him about recording the different tracks in her studio, and mixing them together. He watched her begin to pace, her face becoming more animated and alive as she talked about the different versions she recorded, and picking and choosing the different tracks for the final mix. When she got close enough to grab, Richie reached for her, pulled her onto his lap, and kissed her.
With a surprised squeak, Julianna melted into Richie’s embrace. She was so full of energy from the evening’s work, and just plain happy that he was there with her, she couldn’t contain herself. She shifted position so she was straddling his lap, and tunneled her fingers through his thick hair as she kissed him for all she was worth.
As a testament to their consistently lousy timing, the oven timer went off, making them jump. Chuckling, Julianna reluctantly disengaged herself. “I need to turn that off and get dinner out of the oven before it burns.”
Chapter 24: Homecoming
Dripping her bags in the entry hall of her cottage, an exhausted Julianna sighed. As much as she loved being in the city and working with the show, it was still a relief to get home. The two-plus weeks she had spent in the city felt more like two months. At least the apartment was ready for her; when the time came, she could move seamlessly to the city without any hassle.
Julianna was supposed to start rehearsals with the band – she still had to pinch herself over that one – this weekend. That gave her a couple of days to unwind and prepare. She hadn’t told anyone she was back – not her family, not her friends. She needed to get her voice prepared for a serious workout, and her mind prepared for the weekend.
Thumbing through the pile of mail that had accumulated during her trip, she stopped at a large manila envelope with her name scrawled across it. Curious, she poured herself a well-deserved glass of Chablis, and sat out on the deck to open it. Her heart skipped a beat when she pulled out a sheaf of sheet music. The song was finished! She read it through, humming the melody as she went. It was (of course) fantastic!
Her glass of wine forgotten, Julianna took the music into her bedroom and grabbed her Gibson from its place in the corner of the room. She played through the song a couple times to get the feel for it. She went through it a couple more times, this time singing the words. She was very excited – this was going to be perfect in the show. It was also going to be a hit on its own. Holy Hell, I’m gonna be on the radio!
“Time to go to work!” she said out loud, her earlier fatigue all but forgotten. Heading out to her studio, she planned out what she was going to do. To get a true feel for the song, she had to sing it to actual music, not just her strumming. She knew that’s what she was going to be doing on Saturday, but she couldn’t wait that long.
Once in the studio, Julianna turned on her recording equipment. Dashing up to the loft, she was humming. Oh! There was nothing like the feeling of starting a new creative project! She read through the music one more time, and sat at the piano. Running some scales to limber up her fingers, Julianna’s pulse was racing. She spoke loudly, so that the microphones would pick her up. “Finale, piano, one.”
Julianna closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. She opened her eyes, fully in the zone now, and counted in the song. She knew full well that Jon and the others already had planned what this was supposed to sound like; she just wanted to give it a shot. She played the song through three times. Soon, “finale, piano, two” and “finale, piano, three” were done. Julianna went back downstairs to listen to the tracks she had done. Picking the one she liked best, she loaded it to her MP3 player, and brought it with her upstairs.
Julianna smiled to herself as she plugged in her ice blue Strat. I can’t wait to hear Richie play this song, she thought to herself. Giving herself a shake, she spoke aloud. “Finale, strat, one”. Tuning into her piano track, she waited through the count in, and began to play. She did three versions as she had with the piano, then three on acoustic guitar, and three on sax. The one thing she couldn’t do was drums, so she let that be. Finally, she laid three versions of the vocal track.
Armed with her recordings, Julianna sat down at her control board to mix. She selected what she thought to be the best individual tracks, and put them together, agonizing over every detail. Listening to the final result, she had goose bumps. She may just have to call up to the house and let them know she was back. If her amateur attempt sounded this good, she couldn’t wait to do it for real! She stood to stretch, and noticed it was full-on dark outside. She looked at her watch – she had been working for hours, and missed dinner. On cue, her stomach rumbled.
Laughing to herself, she loaded the final track to her MP3, turned off all her equipment, and locked up the studio. She’d listen to the song again as she prepared dinner. As she was preparing a baked ziti casserole – I really have to learn to cook for one – and grooving to the finale in her kitchen, her cell phone rang. She answered it without looking at the display. “Hello!” she said, practically singing.
“Uh, Julianna?” It was Richie. He paused for a moment. “Where are you, and what is that in the background?”
Julianna hurried to turn off the music. “Hey, there! I’m home, just got in a couple of hours ago, and that was just something I was fooling around with – it’s nothing.”
“Huh. It kinda sounded like the song we’re doing for you. By the way, did you get the envelope with the music?”
“I did! Oh, Richie, it’s perfect! You guys really outdid yourselves this time. I absolutely love it.”
“Aw, shucks, ma’am; tweren’t nothin’,” Richie said with a fake southern accent, making Julianna giggle. “So, how was your trip? Did you get everything done that you wanted to? Did you miss me?”
Julianna laughed. “I missed you something awful. I’m making a late dinner – you interested? I can tell you all about my trip, and you can tell me all about the creative processes that were going on around here.”
“Interested doesn’t begin to cover it. Babe, give me half an hour, I’ll be there”
“Just come on in the kitchen door; I’ll leave it open for you.”
“I’ll see you soon,” Richie said. “I can’t wait to see you.” He disconnected before she could say anything more.
Chapter 23: Julianna's Answer
Julianna paled. “Wh-what? No.” She pulled her hand from Richie’s and started to pace. Nobody paid her any attention. Her brothers were all shouting congratulations, and everyone was talking all at once. Only Richie her say ‘no’. She sat down hard on the floor, which got everyone’s attention.
Julianna’s voice shook as she addressed the concerned faces looking down at her. “What do you mean a duet? You mean just for Opening Night, right?”
Jon was shaking his head. “Nope, I mean when we perform it opening night, if we release it as a studio track, when it goes on the soundtrack – as a bonus track of course – all of it.” He smiled that heartbreaking smile at her. No wonder he always gets his way, she thought. Jon continued. “We keep hearing from fans that they want more Richie, and face it, this song was meant to be a duet. You know the story, hell, you wrote the story. It’s only right that you get to tell the end of it.”
“Besides,” Dave added. “We’ve all heard you sing with Richie. Your voices are perfect together. The two of you doing this song, well, it would be magic.”
Julianna thought for a minute. Am I really considering this? “I’m not a professional. I just mess around, singing with family and friends. I don’t think I’m cut out for it.”
Tico squatted down to talk to her. “Look, when Jon gets something in his head, it’s very hard --”
“Nearly impossible,” Dave interrupted.
“… nearly impossible,” Tico agreed, “to get him to change it. Now, if you want to see a true Jonny tantrum, then by all means, keep resisting.”
Jon flipped off his friend, saying “Fuck you, Teek.”
Tico turned to Jon. “You know I’m right man. Your ideas are always the best, but you are stubborn, and get pissed when you don’t get your way.” Jon glared at him.
Richie spoke up. “C’mon, Jon, you know it’s true, and it’s said with love.”
Jon’s expression softened, and he shrugged. “What can I say? I’m a control freak, and want things to go my way. Julianna, don’t make me yell at you. Apparently,” he winked at her, “I don’t lose gracefully. Please do this with us.” He held out his hand.
Julianna took his hand, and let herself be pulled to her feet. She took a deep breath, and nodded. “Okay. God, I don’t know why I’m agreeing to this. My cast and crew will love it, but if you really do release this on an album, Jesus, I can’t believe I just said that, I don’t think your fans will appreciate it.”
“Baby,” Richie said, “as long as we like you, they’ll like you. And,” he said, “we absolutely like you.”
Jon clapped his hands together. “Great. That’s settled. We’ll work out a rehearsal schedule, and get you the song in the next couple of weeks. For now, what do you say to us jamming with you guys?”
Julianna’s brothers grinned like kids at Christmas. “Of course, man,” Sal said. “We were just messing around with some old favorites. You guys lead on and we’ll catch up.”
And so, on they played, and the cameras captured it all.
* * * * *
They had worked out a schedule that everyone could agree to. They’d start rehearsals when Julianna got back from her trip to New York. The only real demand that Julianna made was that they use the studio in the barn. “I can’t yet bear to be in that house again,” she had said. The band agreed that her studio would work just fine.
For the next few weeks, Julianna was staying in the city, in the apartment she had bought soon after BIO was created. She was overseeing some of the rehearsals, and getting the apartment ready for extended use. For the last couple of months of rehearsals, and the first few weeks of the run, she liked to stay in the city, to be close to the action. That time was coming up fast.
While she was in the city, she hooked up for lunch with Estelle. The two women had been friends since high school, before Julianna transferred to Julliard, and had stayed friends through the years. Settling down to lunch in a deli in Times Square, Estelle demanded details about what was going on with the rental. They were careful not to mention any names; after all, you never knew who was listening.
“So,” Estelle said, digging into her Cobb salad. “Did you ever hook up with that man you were telling me about?”
Julianna giggled. “Yep. He came by because his friend told him about seeing me at the lake. E, he hopped over my wall and just about scared the ever-loving shit out of me.” She told her an abridged story of how she found out what was going on. “But, I returned the favor, threatening to call the police on him.” Julianna explained the prank she pulled, and the end result, sending Estelle into a fit of hysterics.
“God,” Estelle said, wiping tears from her eyes. “That’s a good one. Speaking of pranks, did you ever come up with something to get back at your brothers for?”
“No, but my new friends gave me some good ideas. I’ll have to see what I can come up with.”
“How are the rehearsals for the show going?” Estelle was a Broadway lover, and fiercely loyal to Julianna and Bring It On. She couldn’t wait for Tommy & Gina to open. “There’s a rumor going around that there may be some VIP guests in the audience on opening night. Can you confirm or deny that?”
Julianna looked around. “Not right now, there are too many people around. Later.” She winked at her friend, and nodded slightly, which made Estelle’s eyes go wide. “OK E, tell me all about that beautiful baby of yours.” With that, the conversation firmly turned toward their respective families.
Later, lingering over coffee, Estelle glanced around the deli and saw they had some privacy. “OK, spill,” she said, leaning in and whispering. “What’s up with the show?”
Julianna looked around, and leaned in close. “They’re writing a song for the finale, and will perform it opening night.”
Estelle gasped. “No kidding?”
“Nope, this is as real as it gets. And,” she leaned in closer, barely speaking, “Richie is singing.”
“Oh,” Estelle breathed, excited. Like Julianna, Estelle had a soft spot for Richie, and was pleased to hear he was getting more voice time with the band. “Jules, I’m definitely coming to opening night!”
“You were coming anyway,” Julianna laughed.
“Yeah, but now I’m leaving the hubby at home. I’ve got front row, right?”
“Always.” Julianna smiled. She couldn’t wait to see the look on her friend’s face when she stepped out to sing with Richie. That’s one surprise she was keeping as such. She wasn’t even telling the people at BIO.
Chapter 22: Posing The Question
The rest of the week passed in a flurry of activity. Julianna was back and forth to the city, preparing for full rehearsals. She still hadn’t heard the finale, so hadn’t been able to stage it. There was still plenty of time, but her type-A personality was screaming. She and Richie had played phone tag all week, never seeming to connect. It was frustrating, but she was used to things being hectic, and as it got closer to Opening Night, things would just get worse. Opening Night was only a few months away, and Julianna knew the time would start to go by quickly.
Richie was equally frustrated, and it was starting to get to the others. His mood was dark, and he found himself snapping at everyone. He came close to blows with Tico over something stupid, and Jon had finally had –
“ENOUGH!” he yelled. “Rich, you’ve been a bear for days. What is your problem?”
Richie sighed. “Sorry, man. Teek, Dave, you too. I’m just, I don’t know…”
“Distracted?” Dave supplied.
“Lonely?” Tico offered.
“Horny?” Jon added, laughing.
Riche shook his head, chuckling, and running a hand roughly through his hair and over his face. “Yeah, probably a bit of all three, to be honest. And, to top it off, I haven’t had the chance to talk to Julianna about the finale yet. I don’t know what her reaction will be, and frankly, if she says no, well I don’t wanna be the one to have to tell the Boss here. Kill the messenger, and all that shit.”
“Well,” Tico said, standing up, “that’s one thing we can help you do. Why don’t we all go down there and talk to her together. She can’t say no to all of us, right? When we’re en masse, we’re far too charming to resist.”
“Um, yeah, she could say no, and she could beat the crap out of all of us at the same time. I watched her knock around a 300-pound heavy bag like it was nothing.”
Dave laughed. “Then I vote we all go, but Rich here does the talking. I for one don’t wanna get hit!”
Jon spoke up. “Let’s go. We’ll take care of our business, then Rich, man, you take care of yours so we can get this thing finished.”
“Okay, okay,” Richie grouched.
The sun was starting to set as the four made their way to the gate. As they approached, they heard horns blaring from the other side. Richie groaned. “That lovely sound heralds the arrival of Julianna’s brothers. They know I’m staying up at the house.” He told them about running into Nicky at Julianna’s studio on Tuesday. “They don’t know we’re all up here, so if you want to do this another time…”
“No way, man,” Jon said. “We’re taking care of this now.”
“I agree, Rich,” Tico said. “I don’t wanna be sniping at you anymore, man.”
“Alright,” Richie said. “Julianna’s brothers are cool; they’ll keep this to themselves if we ask them to.”
Jon nodded. “Good enough. Let’s go.”
As they entered the studio, the guys heard the opening riffs of a George Thorgood classic. Tico and Dave hadn’t been in the studio before, and looked around appreciatively. They could see the monitors on. Julianna and her brothers must be working on their family project, Richie thought. The four stood, transfixed, watching the performance. They were sounding good. Nicky’s guitar licks were dead on. Sal kept the beat perfectly on a set of drums that had even Tico’s eyes widening. The sax was in Gianni’s capable hands. Julianna was singing. “Ambitious song for a woman,” Jon commented. It worked though. She was singing, and playing to the camera as if she had done it all her life.
Julianna’s strutting around, singing and dancing, had Richie halfway up the stairs before the first chorus. The others, laughing, were close behind. Richie reached the top of the stairs, and stopped dead. Julianna’s brothers missed a beat, but to their credit, kept on playing. Julianna noticed the miss, and turned around to say something to them, but stopped when she saw the reason.
Julianna, smiling at Richie, strutted over with an exaggerated swing of her hips. She looks like a lioness stalking her prey, Richie thought; more than happy to be that prey. Julianna sang, looping her arms around Richie’s neck, and swinging her hips against him.
I broke a thousand hearts, before I met you;
I'll break a thousand more baby, before I am through.
She took Richie’s hand, and led him to the couch, still strutting and singing.
I wanna be yours pretty baby, yours and yours alone.
She pushed him down, and shook her butt in his face.
I'm here to tell ya honey, that I'm bad to the bone.
Singing the chorus, she danced over to the rest of the band. They got into it, each one dancing with Julianna for a minute before joining Richie in “the audience”. She whispered to Jon, as they were dancing, “what’s up?”
Jon just smiled and shook his head. “Later. Finish your song.” Julianna danced with him a minute longer, damn, that man can move, then went back to center stage, shrugging at the questioning looks her brothers were giving her. She took some liberties with the next verse, making everyone laugh.
I can make Jonny beg
And I can make Tico steal
I can make David blush
And I can make Richie squeal
She locked eyes with Richie, swaying her hips seductively.
I wanna be yours pretty baby, yours and yours alone.
I'm here to tell ya honey, that I'm bad to the bone.
Gianni let loose on the sax, and Julianna let out a whoop of delight. Damn, G is hot tonight, she thought. She pulled Richie to his feet, once more looped her arms around his neck, and danced against and around him, trailing her fingers across his chest, shoulders, and back. Richie felt a burn everywhere she touched him. When Gianni backed down, and Nicky stepped up for the guitar solo, Richie grabbed Julianna, and pulled her in close, and showed her just how well he could dance. Holy Hell, she thought. It was like making love, no fucking, on the dance floor.
She whispered in Richie’s ear, her breath tickling him, “I guess everyone here knows the truth about us now.”
“Doesn’t bother me, babe. Now, finish the song.”
Julianna laughed, and took a couple of steps back.
Now when I walk the streets, kings and queens step aside
Every man that I meet – heh heh – they all stay satisfied.
Julianna ran her hands down Richie’s chest.
I wanna tell ya, pretty baby, what I see I make my own.
And I'm here to tell ya, honey, that I'm bad to the bone.
Julianna finished the song dancing with Richie. When the music ended, the band broke into applause, then exchanged introductions and handshakes with Julianna’s brothers, and kisses with her.
“They teach you that sexy dancing stuff at Julliard?” Dave asked. At her surprised look, he laughed. “Richie told us about your training. I certainly don’t remember a class like that on the course list…”
Julianna laughed. “No, I actually, um…” she broke off, embarrassed.
Tico looked at her with mock horror on his face. “You stripped your way through college?”
“Lord no! Jesus, Tico, my mother would have skinned me alive,” Julianna said, real horror in her eyes.
Nicky spoke up, with a twinkle in his eye. “She did, however, take dancing lessons with some, ahem, very well built exotic dancers.” Her brothers broke into catcalls, making all the men laugh.
“Shut up Nicky. It was a long time ago, and as I recall," she said, looking at each brother in turn, “your wives all took the same classes with me.”
“Yeah,” Sal said, “but they don’t do the bump and grind with rock stars.”
“Not that you know of anyway,” she teased.
“Well,” Jon said, “however you learned, it sure was entertaining.”
Richie smiled. “Yeah, very. Your Nonna will get a kick out of this when she sees it.”
Julianna’s brothers broke out laughing. “You turned on the recorders?” Gianni asked, once he caught his breath. “You sly little bitch,” he said, with love.
Julianna punched him in the arm hard enough to make him wince. “Whenever we do something for the family, it always looks rehearsed. I wanted to do something a little more…”
“Dirty?” Dave supplied.
“Sultry?” Tico offered.
“Raunchy?” Jon added, laughing.
“Real,” Richie and Julianna said at the same time. Julianna smiled, then continued. “I wanted to capture the chemistry we have when we’re just playing around. The minute the camera comes on, you all shove sticks up your asses, and it shows.”
“Nice, Jules,” Sal complained. “Real nice.”
“Yeah,” Dave commiserated. “That’s an image I didn’t need in my head. No offense, guys.”
Julianna patted him on the shoulder. “You’ll live, my friend. Now,” she said, addressing Jon and the rest of them, “as I’m sure my brothers are dying to ask, what the hell are you all doing here?” Her smile said her words were teasing.
Jon addressed her brothers first. “Richie says we can count on your discretion with whatever we tell you, right?” They all nodded. “Good. We’re all staying up at the house so we can escape from the city and the press for a while. And,” he looked a Julianna, who nodded. “And, we’re working on a new song to be used in the finale of your sister’s show.”
Gianni turned to his sister. “Did you know all this already?”
Julianna blushed, and answered, “I knew they were working on a new song, but not that they were staying at the house. Not until I ran to Jon at the lake.”
Tico cut in. “And, when you nearly had Richie arrested.”
Julianna’s brothers looked at Tico with puzzled looks on their faces. He laughed, and told them an abridged story of what happened. They all had a good laugh over that, and congratulated Julianna on an excellent prank.
“Anyway,” Jon continued, “we came down here to talk to Julianna about the song for the show.”
Julianna arched an eyebrow at him when he didn’t continue. “Well, what do you want to talk about? Is there a problem?”
Dave answered. “Not a problem, per se, just something – well – Jon reworked the song and wants your help.”
“M-my help?” she said, shocked.
“Um, yeah,” Richie said, stepping forward to take her hand. He glanced at his band mates. Dave made a ‘go on’ gesture, and Richie continued. “You see, Jon thinks that I should sing the song…”
“Yeah…” Julianna said warily, thinking she knew where this was going.
“… as a duet with you,” Richie finished.
Chapter 21: Brotherly Love
The blaring of horns outside startled them apart. “What the hell was that?” Richie asked, exasperated.
Julianna sighed. “It’s my brothers’ signal that they’re here. They always blow the horns when they come so I know they’re here. They’ve probably come to use the studio.”
Richie looked at Julianna longingly. “I suppose they just let themselves in, yes?”
“Yeah, and if they see you here with no truck in the driveway, they’re going to have questions. If we hurry, we can get into the house before they get in here.” They heard the door to the studio open. “If you don’t want a lot of questions, you better get out of here.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Richie said. “I’m not starting this, whatever it is, by lying outright to your family. I’ll tell them that I’m staying up at the house. It’s the truth, and they don’t need to know the rest.”
“The rest of what?” Nicky asked as he entered the studio.
“It's a secret,” Richie answered with a smile. “Nice to see you again, Nicky.”
“Likewise, man. Hey, where’s your truck?”
The two men shook hands. “The truck is up at the house. I’m staying there for a while, while Julianna’s show is in progress. The studio up there is perfect, and it’s close enough to your sister’s place that I can review things with her without making countless trips to and from the city.”
Julianna interrupted. “Keep it under your hat, okay Nicky? If it gets out, the reputation that ‘J. Frances’ has for discretion will be shot.”
Nicky kissed his sister’s cheek. “I won’t tell anyone, but Sal and Gianni are on their way in; they’re gonna know, too.”
Richie nodded. “Not a problem, man. Julianna trusts you guys to do the right thing; that’s good enough for me.” He looked at Julianna. “Well, I did interrupt your workout for a reason. I have a question for you about the finale for the show. Give me a call later, and we’ll discuss it, alright?” As if it were as natural as breathing, he leaned in to kiss Julianna briefly on the lips. Nicky’s jaw dropped. Richie turned to extend his hand to the other man. “Good to see you again, man. Catch you later.” Richie left the studio, snagging his boots on the way.
Nicky looked at his sister. “What the hell was that all about?”
“What?” Julianna asked, puzzled.
“Richie Sambora just kissed you like it’s an everyday occurrence, and --” he broke off. “Holy shit, you aren’t, you know, dating him, are you?”
“Dating who?” Gianni asked, as he and Sal padded into the studio.
“You know, sis,” Sal said, “you should really consider letting us putting in a separate entrance for the upstairs studio, so we don’t have to take off our shoes. I feel like I’m in Nonna’s parlor or something.”
“Off topic, little brother,” Nicky said. “Gianni asked ‘dating who’. Dating Richie Sambora. He was just here, and he just kissed her, and little sister here acted like it was no big deal.”
Julianna looked at her brothers. “It is no big deal,” she said. “You know that’s how those artistic rock-star types are – they kiss everybody. Anyway,” she looked at each of them in turn. “It’s none of your business who I do or do not date, but I wouldn’t talk about it with you in any case.”
Sal smiled. “Methinks she dost protest too much.”
Julianna flapped a hand at him. “Whatever. Did you guys come here for some reason? Or did you come just to bust my ass?”
Gianni answered. “We wanna use your studio upstairs; we need to blow off some steam. Most people hate Mondays, for us it’s Tuesdays. We need to get the ick of today off of us.”
The three brothers worked for the restaurant, and Tuesday was meeting and ordering day. The three of them met with suppliers, advertisers, accountants, public relations, marketing, doing whatever had to be done. They hated the administrative side of the business – they were not suit-and-tie guys.
Julianna laughed. “Go on up. I’m going to go clean up and get dinner started. You guys staying?”
“Sure,” Nicky said. “Unless you have other plans?” He emphasized ‘plans’.
“Nope,” Julianna said, purposefully ignoring his tone. “No other plans. I’ve got lasagna ready to go and this way I won’t have leftovers. I’ll be back in a little while. Ciao!” She air kissed her brothers, and left.
“What do you make of that?” Nicky asked as soon as Julianna had gone.
“I think there’s more going on here than she’s saying,” Gianni said. “You saw them together last week, the chemistry was palpable. I think even Dad noticed.”
Sal said, “But Mama came over here Thursday, and didn’t come back all concerned.”
“That just means she approves of whatever is going on here,” Nicky answered. “Should her first foray back into the dating scene be with a rock star?”
Gianni shook his head at his brother. “Nick, it’s not for us to decide. Jules is a big girl, and she can see who she likes. Frankly, I’m just glad she’s interested in something other than her work. If nothing else, he’ll be a good distraction for her. He seems like a pretty regular guy, once you get past the rock star thing.”
Nicky wasn’t convinced. “If he hurts her, I swear, I’ll break both his hands.”
Sal put a hand on his older brother’s shoulder. “We’re with you on that, brother. Now, let’s go up and play before dinner. I’m dying here!” The three of them laughed, and went up to the studio.
It was close to midnight before her brothers finally left. As soon as she closed the door behind them, she was diving for her phone. Richie’s voicemail picked up. His velvety-smooth speaking voice sent a shiver through her. “Hey, it’s me, speak.” At the tone, she left a brief message. “Hey, it’s me. Julianna. Sorry I missed you. My brothers just left and, well, I thought I’d call to say goodnight. Goodnight, Richie. Sleep well.” After a moment, she hung up and went to bed.
Chapter 20: Workout
After a productive morning in the studio (as usual, Jon’s instincts about the arrangement were dead-on), Richie went to talk to Julianna. Both to feel her out about Jon’s idea, and because, well, he just plain missed her. As he approached the gate, he heard the noise of hard, fast, metal music coming from the studio. Intrigued, he crossed to the doors and looked inside. Julianna was beating the shit out of one of the man-shaped heavy bags in the corner of her studio. He watched as she circled the bag, punching and kicking, nearly but not quite toppling it over. Jesus, he thought. Note to self: don’t piss her off!
Julianna loved a good workout. She discovered kickboxing soon after Mark left, and fell in love with it. She worked through a lot of her anger by pretending the bag was Mark. Now, she just loved the exercise. Executing a perfect spinning roundhouse kick, she let out a triumphant yell as the 300-pound bag tipped over to the ground. Julianna dropped to one knee beside the bag and jabbed it once in the neck, then dropped onto her back, exhausted.
Richie called out from the door, “Is it safe to come in? Is he dead?”
Julianna looked over at the door, and smiling, waved him in. She motioned toward the control board, indicating he should go turn off the music. He complied, then came to sit beside her.
“How was your trip? Did you guys have a good time?” Julianna asked, as she sat up to stretch out.
“Yeah, thanks,” Richie answered. “New Orleans is one of my favorite cities. It’s slowly bouncing back to what it once was and it’s just an inspiring place to be. Incidentally, I read your book on the plane. You were right, it really was quite good.” He stopped talking to admire her flexibility. It had him thinking dirty thoughts. “Uh, how was your weekend with Lila and Sam?”
Julianna, impressed that Richie remembered the names of her leads, smiled. “Oh, fantastic! They are really a good pair of kids, and I’m so glad I found them. They’re doing a fantastic job. I think you’ll be pleased with the end result. Hey,” she said, looking at him, “you want to help me out with something?”
“Sure. Whaddaya need?” he asked, wagging his eyebrows a her.
Julianna laughed. “Here, take my hands, and sit in front of me. Put your feet against mine and pull. I need to really stretch my hamstrings and lower back, and this buddy stretch is the best way.”
Richie looked at her for a moment, then positioned himself as she instructed. He gently pulled on her arms until he was nearly lying down, and her chest was nearly to the floor. She let out a low groan. “God, that feels good,” she said. “Pull just a little bit more.” He did, and Julianna closed her eyes, and exhaled slowly. “Alright, you can let me go now, thanks.” She pulled her legs in, sitting with her feet sole-to-sole in a butterfly stretch, and dropped her forehead to the floor. After a moment, she pushed back with her hands, and rolled backwards over one shoulder into a standing position. She held out a hand. “Need a lift?”
Richie laughed. “I’m not so old that I can’t get off the floor, thank you very much.” He stood and motioned to the bag. “Need any help with him?”
“Sure, just roll Bob here over to his friends, and get him standing up again.” While Richie took care of the bag, Julianna wiped down the mats and took a long pull from her water bottle. “So, I’m sure you had a reason to stop by, right? What’s up?”
Richie came to her and said, “This.” He pulled her hot and sweaty body to him and kissed her thoroughly. Julianna pushed her hands into Richie’s hair and tore her mouth away. One look into his eyes, and she pulled him back for another kiss. He made a low growl in his throat that Julianna answered by wrapping a leg around his waist, anchoring him to her. This time, Richie broke the kiss.
Julianna whimpered at the loss of contact. Richie looked at the toned leg wrapped around him, and raised an eyebrow at her, smirking. Julianna smiled a sly smile. “I’m very bendy,” she said softly.
“Good Lord, woman,” Richie whispered, and dove for her mouth again.
Chapter 19: Changing Their Minds
Julianna sighed as they broke the kiss, and she settled into his arms. Richie backed up until he was sitting on the couch, with Julianna cuddled on his lap. They sat quietly for several minutes, just enjoying each other’s company. Richie kissed the top of her head. “What’s going through your mind, darlin’?”
She shifted in Richie’s lap so she could turn her face to his. “Oh, just girl stuff. You know: What’s happening here? What does this mean? What is he thinking? Did I go too far? The usual shit. How about you?”
Richie chuckled. “I’m thinking I don’t want to go with Jon tomorrow. That I want to explore this more. That I want to throw caution to the wind, and see what happens. That we drank three bottles of wine and a pitcher of margaritas, so do I really want to do that?” He hugged her. “I mean, I know neither of us wants to get hurt again, but I think we both want to renege on our deal. Am I wrong here?”
“No,” Julianna offered softly. “You’re not wrong. But, you do make a good point. We had quite a bit to drink. I don’t want there to be any regrets. For either of us. You should go with Jon, take a few days. I’ll be working with Sam and Lila anyway.” She kissed his chin. “And, you were looking forward to the trip. Anyway, I’ll still want you when you get back, probably more so.” Horrified at what she just said, Julianna jumped up and slapped her hands over her mouth, her eyes wide. “I definitely had too much to drink. I can’t believe I just said that. Apparently, the filter between brain and mouth has left the building. Sorry.”
Richie grinned, and pulled her back onto his lap. “Baby, it’s never a hardship to have a beautiful woman tell me she wants me.” He kissed her deeply. “I’ll go to New Orleans with Jon, but when I get back, we will continue this.”
“You bet your sweet ass we will,” she said, threading her hands into his thick hair, and pulling him into another kiss. She shifted so that she straddled his lap, and kissed him with all the passion she had in her. Suddenly she remembered turning the cameras on. Shit, shit, shit! She pulled back abruptly. “Um, baby I need to tell you something.”
Richie was nibbling on Julianna’s neck. “Hmmm? What’s that?”
“Um, I think maybe I turned on the cameras up here when you and Jon were playing,” she said sheepishly.
Richie laughed. “Now why would you that?”
Julianna looked guilty. “No matter what else I may be, I’m a fan of your work. I heard something beautiful, something that I’d never heard before, and well, frankly, I wanted a souvenir of your time in my studio.” She looked at him. “Are you mad?”
Richie shook his head. “No, but we’d better go turn them off, so you can show the footage to your family. And, I’d like a copy too – I’d like a souvenir of my time in your studio, and your performance.”
The pair stood, and made a show of straightening their clothes. Looping an arm around Julianna’s shoulders, they made their way downstairs.
* * * * *
The weekend was a rousing success for everyone:
. . . Jon and Richie toured some of their old haunts, jamming with old friends, and making new ones.
. . . Sam and Lila were very receptive to the changes that Julianna had made, and learned everything in record time.
. . . Dave and Tico? Well, they had good weekends, too.
After everyone stumbled into the studio on Tuesday morning, Jon made an announcement. “As is my prerogative, and, more often than not, my habit, I’ve decided we need to rework some of the finale.” His announcement was met with groans, and a shocked look from Richie. He had thought Jon liked his ideas.
Jon cleared his throat and continued. “I think the finale should be a duet rather than a group song, and Richie should sing it with a female counterpart.” He smiled devilishly. “I have it on good authority that Julianna sings like an angel, with a passion that is palpable, and that she sounds great with Sambora here.”
Tico and Dave looked at Richie, then back at their leader. Tico spoke up first. “If it’s what you want man – it’s your show.”
Dave looked a little more skeptical. “It sounds like an interesting idea, but I’d like to hear her for myself. When can we arrange that?”
Jon held up a CD. “Right now.”
Last night, when they had gotten back, Jon had swiped Richie’s phone and called Julianna, asking for a copy of the recording from Friday night. Embarrassed, she had apologized for her sneaky actions. Jon told her not to worry about it. He’d met her at the gate that night to collect it. Now, he put the CD on, and the foursome listened to Richie and Julianna sing together. Then they listened to her sing Billy Joel. When she was done, Jon turned off the CD. Tico and Dave were nearly speechless.
“Wow,” Dave said.
“That was my thought exactly, when I heard her,” Jon agreed, smiling.
“That was beautiful,” Dave continued. “And hell, she plays the piano almost as good as I do!”
Richie laughed. “Well, she is Julliard-trained.”
“No shit? We’ll have to compare notes. Jon, I’m all for your idea.”
Tico agreed. “How are we going to get Julianna to agree?”
Jon looked at Richie. “That’s Sambora’s job.”
Richie groaned. “Great, thanks.”
