Chapter 18: Be Careful With My Heart

John looked at Ashley. She had tears in her eyes and he wasn't sure if it was a good sign or a bad sign.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm okay. I've just had a little too much champagne and I'm just feeling so many things right now. I don't know what to say."

"Oh you could say how much you love me and want to be with me." He smiled.

"John when I met you, my heart had been broken and I never really expected it to be whole any time soon. I hid all the pieces and pushed everybody away from me. But you managed to steal all them away from me and take over all of the space in my heart. I am so attracted to you and I feel things I have never felt before and it scares me. That's why I wanted to find you tonight. So I could tell you. I can't deny the way I feel for you anymore. John Francis Bongiovi Jr., I am totally and hopelessly in love with you. Please be careful with my heart. I don't think I could make it through another heart break."

"I know that was hard for you baby, but I swear I won't hurt you. You are everything to me."

He gently pulled her into his arms and hugged her. He pulled back a little and she still had some tears in her eyes. What's wrong baby?"

"Nothing, I'm just so happy and scared at the same time."

"You don't ever have to be scared with me. I want you to be my girlfriend Ashley. I'm tired of you being some girl that I'm so crazy about, while I watch you with other guys. I want you to only date me. And I don't want any other guys touching you. It really pisses me off when I see any of them kiss or hug you. I wanted to kick all of Poison's ass tonight when they had their damn hands on you."

"I thought you said you weren't the jealous type."

"I'm not unless it's something I really don't want to lose. Now that I've got you baby. I don't ever want to let you go."

He looked into her eyes. He leaned in and started to kiss her slowly. He tenderly slipped  his tongue inside her mouth. He grabbed her hands and gently eased her back on the blanket.  He swirled his tongue around hers softly and kissed her so deeply and for so long she could barely breath. He gently pulled back and lifted himself off of her a little and gave her a crooked smile. "That kiss right there was way better than the one you got from Bret tonight." He grinned.

She smiled. "You don't want to talk about him. Remember? You just want to keep kissing your girlfriend." She smiled.

"So you're my girlfriend now? Damn finally. I've been waiting for this." He grinned.

She smiled and grabbed his shoulders and pulled him down on her and she began to kiss him. They made out for a while and she was really nervous. Not knowing how far he expected her to go. And her not knowing just how she would let him go. 

He broke free from her lips. "I've got to give you something Ashley."

"You don't have to give me anything."

He pulled off his ring.  I want you to wear this baby. It has my initials on it so all these crazy fuckers around here know without a doubt you are mine. He slid it on to her finger. It was a little big but she would fix that when she got home with some string.

 "Oh John, I love it. Are you sure? I've never seen you take this ring off."

"Yeah, I want you to have it. I want everybody that sees you to know that you are my girlfriend."

She smiled looking at him. "I'm John Bongiovi's girlfriend. I love the sound of that."

"John it's getting late. My Dad will be pissed if he wakes up and finds me still gone." 

"Okay baby I'll take you home. I need to see you tomorrow. I've got a show at the Fast Lane. I want you there with me."

"Sure John I love to watch you play."

"I can't wait to wipe that smug smile off Bret's face when he sees we're together."

"John please let me be the one to tell Bret. I told you he's special to me and I know this is gonna hurt him."

"I at least want to be there. I don't want him trying to mess with your head or play on your feelings for him!"

"Okay." She hesitated to agree. She was thinking she needed to talk to him alone.

"There's a party tomorrow night, after the show, at Jack Ponti's grandparents beach house. They're down in Florida and he's throwing a big bash. I want you to go with me. It's a fine ass beach house, you'll love it."

"Okay it sounds fun. Should I bring my bikini?"

"Yeah and tell your Dad your staying the night with Stacey or somebody. I want you with me all night."

Her eyes got big and she looked a little worried.

"Don't worry baby. We won't do anything that you don't want to do, I promise. I just want to be with you."

John drove her home. He walked her to the door. "I'm so happy baby. The first time I saw you standing out here I knew it wouldn't be long until you were mine."

"Really? So I had no say in this?"

"Well maybe a little." He kissed her once more.

"I'll call you when I get up." 

"Okay John. Good night."

"Good night baby." 

She went inside and he drove next door.

The next day John was still asleep at 1 o'clock when his phone rang.

"Damn it! Yeah! He yelled into the speaker phone.

 And he heard laughter. "Well you sound like shit!"

"Richie?"

"Yeah man it's me. My Dad just told me about some job openings at an auto body shop. I know you wanted to find a job for the daytime. They're hiring a couple guys if you want to go down and apply with me."

"Yeah thanks man. Ma's been on my back about finding something. And I really need some money. The peanuts the Fast Lane pays the band ain't shit and I drink it all up there anyway."

"So did you slip off with Ashley last night?"

"Yeah I took her to the beach."

"Nice, did you find that birthmark?" He laughed.

"No I did better than that."

"Damn she let you go all the way right there on the beach?"

"Hell no! But I do have a hot new girlfriend this morning."

"Really are you serious? You and Ashley are together?"

"Yep she's all mine."

"About time you made it official. Now you need to find that damn birthmark!" He laughed.

"Oh believe me, it's on my list." John chuckled.

"So when are you going to apply for that job?"

"Right now in a few minutes if you want to ride with me."

"Yeah, I'll go. I need some money to start taking Ashley out. I got to wine and dine her and all that shit."

"Yep it's expensive to pay for two everywhere you go. Hey I heard on the radio this morning Van Halen's coming to the convention center next month! I've got to be there!"

"Cool me and Ashley will go too. She loves Van Halen, but I think she's just got a thing for Eddie. She loves guitar players." He laughed.

"Yeah she probably does. I hope I get this job. I hate asking my parents for money all the damn time." Richie groaned.

"Yeah me too. Ma keeps telling me they are going to cut me off. But luckily, they haven't yet."

"So you bringing Ashley to Jack's party tonight. I hear there is going to be some fine chicks at this thing. You'll be missing out."

"Yeah I told her about it. And I ain't missing out on shit. She'll be the hottest chick there."

"Maybe but she don't put out and you know most of the chicks that hang out with Jack, do."

"I'm not worried about getting laid man. Finding pussy has never been a problem for me."

"So you think tonight might be the night? You think Ashley might give it up?"

"I don't know. She wants a lot of shit to be just right. Perfect place and time. I doubt she'll do anything with alot of assholes running around at Jack's party. But we'll see. I think I need to plan something special. It's something else I need a shit load of money for."

"Yeah but what a fucking prize man! If you get a piece of that, and you're the first one! You've really done something. I'll even be envious bro." Richie laughed.

"Yeah but Ashley's more than that to me. I'm not just trying to bag her. I mean I want to for sure. But I want to make it special for her. I know it means alot to her."

"I hear you man. Chick's never forget that first time or the guy they do it with. I need to go get ready. I'll pick you up in about an hour."

"Okay man."

John hung up and called Ashley.

"Hello."

"Hey beautiful. Have you been thinking about your hot sexy boyfriend?"

"Maybe." She giggled and the speakerphone filled his room with her laughter.

"How's your head this morning? You were really loaded last night. I easily could of had my way with you right there on the beach. He laughed.

"Oh my God!" She giggled. It's okay but it is pounding a little."

"I hear your other man is coming to town."

"Who?" She asked surprised.

"Eddie Van Halen."

"Oh cool, I love Van Halen."

"Well I'm taking you to see them."

"Thanks John it will be a lot of fun."

"I need to go get ready. Richie's coming by we are going to apply for a job."

"Really I thought you got paid for playing at the Fast Lane?"

"We do but they don't pay much. I need something on the side so I can have plenty of money to take my hot girlfriend out."

"She's a lucky girl, I hear. And so dang pretty." She laughed.

"She's down right beautiful. You do know how beautiful you are? Don't you?"

"Oh stop John."

"Why? It's the truth."

"I got a lot of flaws John. I don't feel about myself, the way people see me."

"Well you are crazy. Because what I see Is the finest, hottest, beautifulest, girl I know."

She laughed. "Beautifulest, I don't think that's even a word."

"Well it is, here in Jersey today." He laughed. I hope I get this damn job. I really need some extra cash."

Yeah me and Stacey have been looking for jobs too but we haven't found much."

"Well you can come work for me and be my personal massager."

"You can't afford me babe!" She laughed.

"Maybe I can. I could rob a bank." He chuckled. Or I can massage you. I'll start by taking off all your clothes."

"I don't think so mister." She giggled.

"Ashley seriously, how long are you going to make me wait? Because I'm not used to waiting very long. I love you baby and I want to show you just how much."

"John I have no way of knowing. It's not like there's a time table in my head or something."

"Well if you love me and I love you. Making love is the next step, that's what people do."

"John I told you. I want everything to be perfect. It's my first time. I can't ever redo it. I want it to be special."

"But like what, a motel room?"

"I don't know, but I'll know if it feels right or not. It's hard to explain. Maybe we jumped the gun on this. I think you think that I am definitely going to have sex with you just because we are together now and I really don't know if you are the one. If you want to back out of being with me. I understand."

"No it's not that Ash. It's just I love you so much and we won't really be together until we make love together."

"If you want me to give you a definite time frame, I'm sorry, I can't. I went out with Jake almost a year and it never felt right."

"Fuck! A whole year, Ashley I love you but I can't wait a whole damn year!"

"Let's just take this a day at a time. I love you John."

"I love you too baby." He sounded a little disappointed.

"I'll let you go so you can go find a job. I'll see you later."

"Okay, bye baby."

"Bye."

Ashley hung up and instantly thought. "What have I done. He's already hounding me for sex. I just don't know if I can put up with it. I mean how long do I really expect a guy like John to wait." She got dressed and walked over to Stacey's house and knocked.

"Hey girl, come on in."

"Can you do me a big favor I need a ride up to the Fast Lane to get my car. And I need to talk to Bret."

"Sure I been wanting to put in for the server job they are hiring for. They need more than one why don't you apply too?"

"No I can't work at the Fast Lane anywhere but there."

Ashley pushed her hair back and Stacey grabbed her finger and looked at John's ring.

"What is this?" She smiled at Ashley.

"The ring my new boyfriend gave me to wear last night!" She smiled.

"Oh my God! So you are gonna give ole Johnny boy a chance!"

"Yeah I can't fight it anymore. He took me to the beach and told me he loved me and I confessed that I love him too."

"Oh my God, how freaking sweet."

"I hate to admit it but y'all make a very cute couple."

"Thanks."

"But wait. Then what do you need to talk to Bret about?"

"I want to be the one to tell him about me and John. John wants to be there when I tell him, but I think it should  just be between me and Bret. Honestly he might try to kick John's ass."

"He's gonna be pissed Ash. Didn't you say he begged you to be his girlfriend and you wouldn't?"

"It was different with Bret. He was under contract at the time and he was leaving soon to go out touring. I didn't want to tie him down. Long distance crap never works."

"It won't matter. He hates John and he's gonna be pissed."

"I know. I have a nervous knot in my stomach just thinking about telling him."

You want to go up there now?"

"Yeah let's go. I really need to get this over with. I don't want John to tell him and he was already looking forward to it."

They got in the jeep and drove to the Fast Lane.

Stacey parked and the girls jumped out and headed inside.

Mike the bartender was training a new employee, Eric how to mix a few different drinks. Eric looked up and noticed Ashley. "Damn she's fine." He thought."

"Hey Mike is Bret around?" Ashley asked looking kind of nervous.

"He should be back there by the stage."

She walked over and there he was sitting by the stage looking at her walking toward him.

"Hey baby, how are you feeling today?"

"I've been better, I really need to quit drinking."

"But you're so fun when you're drunk." He said sarcastically. "I've got some bruises where you tried to beat the shit out of me last night." He laughed.

"Sorry about that, you know how I am when I have too much to drink."

"You want anything from the bar now?"

"God no, I'm good. I'm still recovering. I just came to pick up my car."

"I saw it when I pulled up this morning."

"Who took you home last night?"

"John."

"I figured. Who brought you up here just now?"

"Stacey, she's applying for the server job."

"Has she ever worked somewhere doing that before?"

"Yeah we worked together in Biloxi at Mugshots. We've been putting applications in around town for server jobs but we haven't heard anything."

"I'll pull her application. I'm glad you came by and that you are looking for a job. I wanted to run something by you."

"Okay." She hesitantly replied.

"Harold the owner wants to hire an assistant to be in charge of booking the bands and stuff. He's busy right now opening another club, The Galaxy.  He asked me if I could recommend someone to be trained and I told him about you."

"Bret I don't know anything about booking bands for a club. What made you think of me for that!"

"It's not hard Ashley. It would mainly be you calling bands that have already played here and ordering stuff for the bar. I can help you until you can handle it on your own. But Ashley the pay is great and way more than you'll ever get being a server."

"I appreciate it Bret. But I'm sure you'll change your mind when I tell you what I need to say."

"What's up baby."

"I don't know how to say this but it needs to come from me."

"You're worrying me what's going on?" He looked down and saw John's ring on her finger.

"Me and John." She started her little speech she has rehearsed over and over in her head.

He cut her off. "Don't even say it! Don't come in here wearing this bullshit on your fucking finger and tell me you are going out with that Prick Ashley!"

"I'm sorry Bret. I didn't want it to be a surprise. I tried to ignore my feelings for him. But I just can't anymore. I hope you don't hate me. I will always care about you."

"What happened to you would always love me Ashley?" I don't understand why you are doing this. He's going to break your heart baby."

"I hope not, but I have to give him a chance. I love him Bret."

"Damn it Ashley, you sure as hell know how to ruin my day. Hell my whole damn year! Are you sleeping with him!"

"No! How can you ask me that?"

"Well he's not going to wait around like a dumb ass like I did!"

"What the hell do you mean by that?"

"Ashley I could have done it with you several times, but I knew you wanted to wait. But if I had, I would have been your first and you would still be with me!"

"I'm sorry Bret, I just wasn't ready. I told you you would rethink the job offer."

No the job is still yours if you want it. Don't let Johnny talk you out of it, Ash. It's a good opportunity and you shouldn't miss out on it just because Johnny doesn't like me."

"I'll let you know Bret. Thanks for thinking of me."

"Don't thank me for doing something I do every single damn day."

"Please don't make this hard for me Bret. I guess I need to go."

"Don't I at least get a hug?"

"Okay I guess I can do that." She walked over to him and he hugged her tight and didn't want to let go. He put his face in her hair and she smelled so good. He loved the feel of her in his arms.

"Damn you feel so good baby, please tell me you were joking." Bret said as he rubbed his hands up and down her back.

"Nope sorry, John really is my boyfriend."

He pulled back to look at her face. "You can't forget what we had together Ashley. He looked into her eyes. And his sadness ripped through her heart. "Bret don't do this to me." He leaned down and gently kissed her as memories of them together flashed in her brain. 

Eric walked up as they were kissing. "Excuse me Bret. I hate to bother you. Mike said to tell you, we are missing a whole case of vodka."

Bret let go of Ashley. "I sat it down by the back door to answer the phone. I forgot to go get it."

"I'll get it for you." Eric looked at Bret and then Ashley and smiled.

"Okay thanks, man."

She looked at Bret kind of sadly. "I guess I need to go check on Stacey."

"You don't want to talk about what just happened?"

"Nope I've got to go."

"He grabbed her." Ashley I started that kiss but you were very much into it!" I see it in your eyes that you still love me!"

"I shouldn't have come here. John told me not to!"

"That's because he can see how you feel about me too!"

"I've got to go Bret!" She turned and began to walk away.

"Think about the job offer Ash. It's easy money. Don't let that asshole's jealousy of me stop you from taking it!" 

"I'll think about it. But that's all I can promise. I'll let you know."

Ashley walked up to the bar where Stacey was.

"What's that look." Stacey asked staring at her face.

"He took it as bad as I thought."

"Is he pissed at you?"

"Yeah a little. But he freaking kissed me and offered me a good job?"

"Are you serious?" Stacey started laughing. "Oh my God! What kind of kiss?"

"A toe curling kiss."

"Oh damn. And what kind of job? Working here?

"Yeah some type of assistant job."

"Johnny Bongiovi is never gonna go for that!"

"He's my boyfriend but he's not my Daddy, he can't tell me what to do!"

"Oh sugar, he's gonna blow a gasket. And if he finds out about the kiss he'll be ready to kill Mr. Michaels." Stacey laughed. 

"Well I certainly ain't going to tell him!"

"There's no way in hell that he will let you work here with your ex! I know you're head strong and stubborn as a mule, but surely you realize by now Johnny is too!"

"I already had one boyfriend bossing me around. I can't live that way. I hope John understands it's my decision or we might have a problem."

"Well get ready for it, he's gonna be pissed."

"Dang I hope not. Thanks for bringing me to get my car. I'm headed home."

"Bye Ash, and good luck." Stacey grinned.

"Bye."

Bret walked up to Stacey. "So you've been a server before?"

"Yeah back home at Mugshots."

"Okay cool. I can let you start tomorrow night. Becky will be training you."

"Thanks Bret, I appreciate it."

"Did Ashley tell you about the job I'm offering her. Please talk her in to taking it. She will be great at it. Bongiovi is only temporarily in her life. There is no reason to give up a great opportunity to please that asshole."

"She told me she was really thinking about it and she wasn't going to let him tell her what to do."

"Good, it's only because I care about her. That's why I want to help her."

"Well she is serious about Johnny. You need to back off a little Bret. She told me about the kiss."

"Did she tell you that she kissed me back? Because she sure as hell did! And I ain't backing off of nothing, it ain't happening. He will fuck things up with her.  It won't take him long." He laughed.

"Well I hope not. Ashley's been hurt enough. She deserves some happiness."

"And you don't think I could make her happy?"

"Maybe, but I don't think she's going to give you the chance."

"That's the feeling I get too, but she won't tell me why."

"She hasn't told me either."

Richie and John applied at Sayerville Auto Body. And were driving back to John's when they stopped at a red light.  A little red Corvette pulled up next to them.

"Damn Johnny, check them out!"

"In there fucking bikini's man." John chuckled.

"Hey my friend here thinks you two are gorgeous." The blonde yelled from the passenger seat.

The light turned green and they slowly moved down to the next one still talking.

"I'm Tracy and this is Veronica."

"I'm Richie and this is Johnny."

"Pull over at the diner." Richie grinned.

"Okay." She replied."

They parked their cars side by side and got out. The girls had on bikini tops and very short blue jean cut off shorts. John and Richie were really liking what they were seeing.

"I've seen you before." Veronica spoke to John. "You play at the Fast Lane."

"Yeah my band is called The Rest. We play there every Sunday and every other Friday and any other day we can get."

"Cool. I think you are so fucking hot!" She smiled at John.

"Thanks, you are too." He grinned.

"So where are you two headed?" Richie asked.

"The beach."

"What a coincidence, we were headed that way too." Richie grinned.

Veronica and John were making small talk. 

"I'd love to come watch you at the Fast Lane sometime."

"Well come on by, we're playing tonight."

"Okay cool." She smiled at John.

"Can I get your phone number Veronica?"

"Sure but you can call me Roni."

"Okay." John grinned back at her.