Dorothea hadn’t imagined that she would be out until two
in the morning – especially considering the company she’d been keeping that
night. But when John had called and told
Carol he was keeping the boys for the night, her Mommy obligation had been
removed and, along with it, any imagined curfew.
Reluctantly, she admitted that, during the course of
events – and after a couple of Cosmos – Gavin had grown on her. He encouraged her to bitch at him, and then tried
to trump her. It had kept her mind sharp
and a sardonic smile on her face all night long. How much fun was that?
“I’m so tiiiired,” Stephanie moaned as the heavy front
door closed behind them.
She commiserated with her daughter as they wobbled their
way through the corridors of the house’s lower level. Only having about four of the Cosmos, the
alcohol had faded a while back. Her
unsure footsteps were from fatigue and a never-ending conga line. With strippers. That looked like Jon and Richie.
What. The. Hell.
Back in the day it would’ve been mildly amusing and never
fazed her. Tonight, though, it was just…
weird. The sense of déjà vu, that
is. It was like she’d been transported
back about twenty-five years to when those paying tribute to Bon Jovi by trying
to be Bon Jovi had been a
commonplace occurrence.
Rolling her shoulders, she shook it off. That was another life. Another person.
The male lead in her current life should be hanging out
in the family room, waiting for them to get home, according to the text she’d
gotten about an hour ago. Evidently the
wild men were old and lame – and didn’t have an over-excitable Gavin
coordinating their event. They’d bowled,
drank, played a little poker and gone to their respective homes – except for
the two single men. They’d opted for a trip down to Atlantic City.
Richie and David in
Atlantic City alone on a Saturday night.
The potential for trouble is staggering.
Stephanie nudged her as they approached the family room,
nodding toward the sofa.
Following her daughter’s line of sight, she found Tony
sitting on the end of the couch, his head fallen back into the cushions. There was a half-empty beer bottle on the
table in front of him, but it was long-since neglected. As was the action movie on television. He was sound asleep. Almost on the verge of snoring, yet it could
still be classified as deep breathing.
There was a funny little squeeze in the center of her
chest and she couldn’t stem the softly amused smile that curled her mouth.
“Go on to bed,” she instructed her daughter quietly. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
The teen put up no argument, only supplying a soft, “G’night,
Mom,” before she vanished up the stairs.
Dorothea soundlessly edged up behind the sofa, hesitant
to disturb him. He looked comfortable
now, but she knew his neck would be stiff if he slept this way for very
long. Gentle fingertips came to brush at
the side of his hair. “Honey?”
“Mmm…” From her
vantage point behind him, his face was upside down, making his smile look like
a frown. A strong set of fingers came up
to circle her wrist, holding it still so he could turn his head and press a
kiss into the center of her palm. “You’re
home,” he mumbled without opening the eyes that were firmly shut behind his
glasses.
“I am.”
Without bothering to escape his grip, she rounded the end
of the sofa and stopped to stand between his splayed knees. Tugging on their joined wrists, she convinced
him to at least lift his head and open his eyes. “Time for bed,” she quietly informed him as bleary,
blue eyes endeavored to focus. Seeing
him blink sleepily, her chest did that squeezing thing again and sent
corresponding shockwaves down into her stomach.
“My bed or yours?”
The sleep-roughened question caused seismic aftershocks to ripple low in
her belly. Such a short time ago, he’d
been her favorite brother. The one with
the ready smile and easy laugh, who always had his face stuck behind a camera.
Again… Another
lifetime, another person.
There were no mistakes in the past, only experiences to
build and learn from. This experience –
Tony – was softening her callous, independent heart more every day.
She had been fully prepared to spend the rest of her life
as only a mother, sister and daughter.
Never again as another half of a whole.
Never trusting someone enough to allow them to make her whole.
Then… there he was – a quiet presence who demanded that
she didn’t have to do it all alone. He staunchly
ignored her objections and reservations.
No, he just took whatever burden she was holding and made it his until she
finally accepted that he was there for her.
That he wanted to be there
for her.
Tony had gently and unobtrusively established himself as
her partner in life.
Her eyes misted and there was a creaking as her sternum
and ribs strained to contain her swelled heart.
“Hey… What’s the
matter, Babes?”
She brought her free hand up to cup his cheek, stroking
her thumb along the edge of his goatee. “Nothing. I drank enough to make me sappy, I guess.”
“Yeah?” Warm
fingers curled around her hips, guiding her to plant her bottom in his
lap. Settling more firmly into the
engulfing cushions, he urged her to curl into him and pressed soft lips to her
temple. “What’cha sappy about?”
Dorothea couldn’t tell him where her mind had been. He wouldn’t see his actions – the way he was –
as a big deal. Tony was a man who did
what he did, without expectation – or need – of thanks and recognition. Both embarrassed him, in fact. Effusive praise and appreciation were about the
only things that could make this tough Jersey boy blush.
“You.” Being in
his lap wasn’t enough contact. Her
fingers immediately sought the gap left by several open buttons on his shirt
and burrowed into the soft plane of hair covering his chest. “Do you know how much I love you?”
“Mm.” A heavy hand
rubbed at her thigh and warmed the dark denim there. “I hope as much as I love you.”
Tucking her hair behind her ear, she inclined her mouth
until it almost touched his. Their lips
were so close that she could smell the beer on his breath. His whiskers tickled her chin. “More,” she
whispered and proceeded to show him with the soft loving of her mouth against
his.
Strong arms banded around her torso and held her tight as
his moan vibrated against her lips. She
suckled the combined flavors of beer and smoke from his tongue until she found
the flavor that could ignite her – the flavor of Tony. Despite the cigarettes and whatever he’d been
drinking, he had an underlying taste that was uniquely him, and she couldn’t
get enough of it. Craved it, in fact.
“Babes,” he exhaled against her cheek, hands restlessly
roaming her body. “I want you. God, I want you.”
Dorothea peppered kisses along his cheek to the underside
of his jaw, where she bit down carefully and sucked. Not hard enough to leave a mark, but hard
enough to make him…. harder. “And I want
you. Let’s go to bed.”
☠ ☢ ☠
Richie crawled between the sheets of David’s guest room
naked. It had been a shorter trip back
to David’s house than the city. Besides,
this made him only about twenty minutes away from Dorothea’s house. It saved him an hour tonight and an hour
tomorrow. The only problem? His clothes for the wedding.
He probably should have considered that when he was
fucking around talking to and texting Candace all night. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that they
would be hooking up after the wedding tomorrow.
She was more into him than his proctologist, and his ego could stand a
little pumping.
His ego was going to be the least of his worries if he
didn’t figure out a way to get those wedding duds to D’s house. Petey would kill him and Jon would probably
help her. So what did he do?
The covers fell to his waist,, his defeated sigh filling
the silence of the gender-neutral guest accommodations. Same thing he always did.
Flaring to life, the mini-screen pierced the darkness
with its backlight and, without his glasses, Richie held it at arm’s
length.
Three in the
morning. Midnight in L.A. Will she kill me?
Probably, but he didn’t know what else to do. She was the one who took care of the kinds of
things for him. It’s what he paid her to
do, and he paid her well. Late night
calls weren’t unheard of.
A long finger tapped into his Favorites and found her
number near the top. He tapped it almost
defiantly. It only took two rings before
her voice greeted him. “Richie, what’s
wrong?”
It didn’t sound like he’d woken her. Had he ‘interrupted’ something that had kept
her from going to sleep yet? “Hey,
Den. Who said anything was wrong?”
“It’s three in the morning. You don’t call to chat at three in the
morning.”
“I do sometimes.”
The occasional bout of insomnia had not been uncommon at the height of
his struggles. Rather, the height of his
demon-battling. She had been one of the
few he could turn to, no matter what his frame of mind.
“Not in a long time,” she remarked quietly, before
assuming a more brusque, business-like tone.
“If nothing’s wrong, then what do you need?”
“I…”
Priorities. There were priorities
that needed dealt with. “I need clothes
from my hotel brought to David’s or Dorothea’s.
Can you find somebody to do that?”
“I’m sure I can.” She
hesitated and he recognized the hesitation – the natural inclination to ask why
– and wondered if she actually would. The way things were going with them lately,
it was hard to guess. Ultimately, she stuck
with normal and asked. “But why didn’t
you get back to the hotel?”
“Bachelor party.
Lemma and I ended up in Atlantic City after the rest of them went
home. It was easier to come here than go
back into the city, and the wedding is at Dorothea’s tomorrow. It just saves me a trip in and back down in
the morning.”
“I see.” It was
amazing what a woman could pack into two simple words. His conscience surely wasn’t responsible for
the condemnation that was trying wrap around him with the sharp pricks of an
Iron Maiden.
“Don’t judge, Denny.
Did I judge you last night?”
“Richie –“
“No. This is a
professional call to my assistant.
Period.” He scraped an agitated
hand through his hair. “My clothes?”
There was a delicate clearing of her throat. “If you don’t have a preference, I’ll send
them to Dorothea’s. Your suit and black
shirt, I assume?”
“Yeah.”
“Fine. What time?”
“The wedding’s at four.”
“The clothes will be there by noon. Is there anything else?” Thrown off her game at first, brisk, efficient
Denny was now on the job.
“No. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.
And…” The attitude leaked out of
her tone and was replaced with the sincerity that was a truer representation of
who Denny really was. “Please pass along
my concern and good thoughts for Jon, Petey and Tony. I saw on the news that there was a shooting.”
He didn’t want to talk about it now. Last night, yes, he would’ve relished the
chance to clear his head over the matter, but not tonight. Tonight, he was mentally channeling the
Amazonian legs of one Candace.
Desperately so.
“I will, thanks.
Later, Den.”
Before she could say goodbye, he disconnected the call
and tossed his phone onto the adjoining pillow.
Would his life ever cease to be a convoluted clusterfuck?
Oh yay, first to comment!! I have to admit, the T&D story line is growing on me. :) They are so super sweet, aern't they? Very tender moments in this chapter. Gave me goosies.
ReplyDeleteRichie needs a swift kick in my opinion. *sigh* When will he learn? ;)
Another great one!
~C
Richie and David in Atlantic City alone on a Saturday night. The potential for trouble is staggering. Can't wait to find out how THIS little jaunt turned out.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful section with Dorothea and Tony. Wonderful. I felt it...
She was more into him than his proctologist, NO you didn't say that...LOL
Convoluted clusterfuck deserves a mention too. I'm still hanging on that Den and Rich get together. This little dalliance with Candace one of his culsterfucks (pun intended) is a passing thing. Gotta be.
Really good job on this chapter. Loved it a lot. Thank you.
Grrrrr RICHIE!!!! Sometimes boys are so stupid!
ReplyDeleteOk, despite the texting, etc. Richie didn't end up with Candace tonight. (Thank goodness!!!!!)
ReplyDeleteI'm really hoping that Denny ends up re-thinking things & ends up on the east coast doing her job & bringing Richie his suit for the wedding, since she *is* invited.
If she does, I'll slap him if he even LOOKS at Candace other than to send her on her way.
Oh, I love Sappy Dorothea. :)
I agree with you: I also hope that Denny delivers herself his clothes, but on the other hand, he may be in a big trouble if Amazone Candance makes her appearance looking forward hooking up with Richie in front of Denny. I can't wait until Wednesday. Is there any chance to have it early??? Pleeeeaseeee!!!!
DeleteTony and Dorothea are the best. I love how it was from her point of view and how he was making her feel. The changes he brought to her life. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou write Tony and Dorothea so very sweet. My heart swells when you write them. They are sweet together.
ReplyDeleteThe Whole chapter was fantastic. My love for Tony and Dorothea just grows and grows. -
ReplyDeleteEllen
I shudder to think what kind of trouble Richie and David could've gotten themselves into in AC!
ReplyDeleteI hope Denny delivers Richie's clothes herself and kicks his ass!
Tony and Dorothea <3 <3
ReplyDeleteWhat is Denny's problem? I know that they kissed but since than she has just turned cold towards him? If I was Richie, I would get another assistant.
ReplyDeleteReally Enjoyed this chapter. Both couples are so good and so different with each other. At least with Tony, what you see is what you get. No games with him. - BELINDA
ReplyDeleteMy two favourites guys in one chapter!! but I have to admit, Tony is edging out Richie at the moment. I love him so much in this story! he is the best, best best!!
ReplyDelete~~~~Then… there he was – a quiet presence who demanded that she didn’t have to do it all alone. He staunchly ignored her objections and reservations. No, he just took whatever burden she was holding and made it his until she finally accepted that he was there for her. That he wanted to be there for her.~~~~~
ReplyDeleteThat says it all there. I LOVE THEM! Fantastic Couple.
This paragraph tore at my heart a little:
ReplyDeleteShe had been fully prepared to spend the rest of her life as only a mother, sister and daughter. Never again as another half of a whole. Never trusting someone enough to allow them to make her whole. --
I'm going through this at the moment, just ended a long term relationship and I hope that someone like Tony comes into my life. This couple has entered my heart and got a place there forever. I get so happy when I read about Tony and Dorothea. You don't realise how much your story has touched me.
This right here is why Tony owns this story.
ReplyDeleteA strong set of fingers came up to circle her wrist, holding it still so he could turn his head and press a kiss into the center of her palm.
It's the little gestures, the way he is always showing how much he loves her. This story is his.
I've always LOVED that too. He grabs her hand, gives her kisses, put his arms around her. Even when he hears her voice, he gets happy. Now who is the SAPPY one! I think I've got what Dorothea's got.
DeleteGorgeous, Beautiful, Sweet and Super. All words and more that I think to describe Tony and Dorothea. Hearing her thoughts and what he has done to her life; was fantastic. They both have filled each other's life completely.
ReplyDeleteRichie should learn a thing or two from Tony. Go for the woman right in front of you. She could turn out to be the love of your life.
I know that sadly Blush, you had mentioned giving Patience it's proper ending, but I really hope when you're done you do a Richie/Denny spinoff story-I mean, after all, when Petey & Jon's wedding is over, we have to have a Tony/Dorothea wedding. We also have have to see what happens on the tour and Richie/Denny. I'm really looking forward to the wedding. And I want to see a picture of Petey's dress. Also, maybe you can do some good photo shop work and doctor a photo so it looks like Petey and Jon at the altar...just a suggestion. I'm not good with Photoshop, but I think it would be cool.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, as far as the add goes, love it! Everyone seemed to have already commented on the best parts, but I love Tony and Dorothea. Is it wrong that I wish they were a couple in real life after reading this? Then I guess that would mean Jon was available. :) :) :) -Sue
You are not the only one! I wish that they were together in real life too. I read their chapters and it only makes me wait for the next one. Blush did you even begin to know what you were starting here? Who Knew that they would strike a cord like this.
DeleteJoining in line and adding that I wish they were a couple in real life too and I would never ever have imagined me ever saying that. Hello? look at my picture near my name? I'm a huge Jon and Dorothea girl but I read this story and just adore Tony and Dorothea together.
DeleteAnytime T & D are pawing each other, it's a delight for me to read. ;)
ReplyDeleteWhy have you made me fall in love with this couple Blush? Honestly, who would have thought that Tony and Dorothea would have been so good together? When I see a chapter with them in it, a smile comes to my face. We have to see their wedding, we just have too. Also them on tour. How THEY handle him being away. She's used to it but his not. There has to be more. It can't end without their wedding. Much Love Dianne
ReplyDeleteLet's face it. You're going to have to turn this into a soap opera!!! I hope you didn't have any plans for the next twenty years!! It's your fault, you're the one who created characters we don't ever want to say goodbye to!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful as always.
ReplyDeleteIt was like she’d been transported back about twenty-five years to when those paying tribute to Bon Jovi by trying to be Bon Jovi had been a commonplace occurrence.
ReplyDelete-- Don't we all remember those days? Boy, do I ever! I also love how she loved Gavin and they were each giving it back to each other during the night. Dorothea was right, the guys didn't have Gavin to plan their party! the women had a much better time!
Dorothea and Tony? No more words can add what others have said but simply perfect. I can't even begin to say how I love much I love that couple.
I like how you write the two couples and the contrast between Jon and Petey / Tony and Dorothea. You have Jon and Petey and her fuck me, I'm her's and this heat and lust and him fucking her hard. Then flip to the other side and you have Tony and Dorothea who are the opposite. You see the tenderness between the two, the gentle touches, kisses and a couple who are there day to day for each other and not just for the sex but for the long haul every day situations.
ReplyDeleteI like this too. The difference between the couples. I'm leaning more towards Tony and Dorothea because even through hot sex is fantastic (and I won't lie, I love reading that between Jon and Petey) it doesn't last forever. Being a couple, having everyday situations and dealing with them together. That's what it's all about.
DeleteEllen
Awwwww, Dorothea and Tony are so gorgeous together. That's love! I want what they have. I love how she walked in and saw him sleeping and then rub her fingers against his hair, he grabs her palm and gives a kiss, she got all misty, so beautiful. They have both changed each other's life so much. That's what love is all about. - Ashley02
ReplyDelete“Babes,” he exhaled against her cheek, hands restlessly roaming her body. “I want you. God, I want you.”
ReplyDeleteDorothea peppered kisses along his cheek to the underside of his jaw, where she bit down carefully and sucked. Not hard enough to leave a mark, but hard enough to make him…. harder. “And I want you. Let’s go to bed.”
-------------------------------
Fuck, they are good! Real Good!