Chapter 68: Special Delivery

John wanted to save Don Hurley's delivery for last so they skipped him and drove all over the county making other deliveries.

Ashley walked in the Fast Lane. She had a lot to do. She got all the ordering done and talked to a few bands to get them booked for the next few weeks. After a few hours, a  call came into her office. "Hello." She answered.

"Hey baby it's me. I just wanted to call and tell you I miss you."

"Aww I miss you too John. Are you delivering stuff today?"

"Yeah Richie is helping me."

"Oh good please talk to him John. Y'all are too good of friends to let anything come in between y'all."

"I don't know about that, he's still an asshole. I'll see you later. I've got to get back to work. An delivery boy's job is never done." He chuckled.

"Aww you are the cutest delivery boy I know." She laughed. "Bye John."

"Bye baby."

After finishing up all the other deliveries, Richie and John drove across town and ended up in front of the Dupont plant.

"Is this place even open? There's nobody here." Richie asked looking around the parking lot.

"I don't know but Don Hurley is here that's  his Oldsmobile right over there." John pointed it out.

"Do you want me to take the box in? I know you hate the dude." Richie asked opening his door.

John laughed. The feeling is very mutual, believe me. But no, I'm going in there too."

They grabbed the big box out of the van.

"What do you think it is?" Richie asked shaking it a little trying to figure it out.

"I don't know. He's straight laced, so it's got to be something on the up and up."

"Here's a thing of packing tape." Richie pointed to a thing of tape laying in the van. "Let's open the box and check it out. We can retape it." He suggested, curiosity getting the better of him.

"Okay but hurry." John looked around to make sure nobody was watching them.

Richie grabbed his pocket knife out and cut along the seam. He opened the box and found what looked to be bottles of alcohol and a box of cigars.

"See I told you." John commented while looking at the bottles.

"Wait a minute all this shit is from Cuba and illegal as hell!" Richie exclaimed reading the bottles and the cigar brand. "My uncle pays top dollar for this shit. I've even tried this rum before at his house and it's fucking awesome."

"Well damn I can't believe it. Don Hurley buying illegal contraband!" John laughed. "I wouldn't have ever thought it." John grinned.

They put everything back in the box. "Hand me the tape. "Richie reached his hand out and took it from John and taped it back up.

John picked up the box and they walked to the front door that was unlocked. They walked in and and a security guard let them know which office Mr. Hurley was in. John felt kind of nervous. There was no love lost between him and Dorothea's father. He had always made him feel like he wasn't good enough for his daughter.

They rounded the corner as he was exiting his office and made eye contact with the man as he opened his office door.

"Hello Johnny. Dorothea told me you were working for Mr. Alfonsi now. Hi Richie. I didn't realize you were working for him too."

"Yes sir. Richie replied quickly.

"Yeah, I am temporarily until something happens with my music." John told him feeling that queasiness in the pit of his stomach he always felt in this man's presence. "We've got a special delivery for you." John grinned knowing what was in the box.

"Okay, well you might have to give that dream up and get a real job. Something that would pay the bills. This music dream may end up on the back burner for now. Especially if you want to have any kind of a future with Dottie."

Richie and John looked very confused at each other. John didn't really want to get into it with him, but he needed to set him straight.

"I don't know what Dorothea has told you but we're not even together. I have a new girlfriend, so Dot and I certainly won't be settling down with each other."

By the look on Mr. Hurley's face, he seemed to not take this news very well. "Richie can you excuse us for a minute please."

Richie looked at John and he nodded to let him know it was okay.

"Yeah sure. I'll be out at the van."

"You know it's no secret that I never wanted you with my daughter." He looked at John and started to open his box with a letter opener and began to unpack the contents.

"I don't like your long hair. I don't like that muscle car you speed all over town in. You have no drive or long range goals and I certainly don't like the way you treated my daughter in the past." He stood up his liquor bottles on the table and took out the  cigars.

"Well with all do respect, none of that matters anymore and to be honest I was dating your daughter, not you and it never really mattered what you thought of me anyway." John looked at him showing no fear and no sign of backing down. He was not going to be intimidated again by this man.

Donald reached under the packing liner in the box and pulled out another box and began to open it.

"Well aren't you a cocky little bastard!" Donald laughed as he revealed a 357 magnum pulling it out of the box and laying it on the table in front of him.

"You know I heard a little something from one of my other daughters, Colleen. A little story Dottie told her."
He picked the gun up and looked down the barrel. "About how you got off trying to embarrass Dorothea by throwing her clothes over the balcony at your apartment and sending her out in only a towel to retrieve her belongings!" He started loading a bullet into the chamber of the gun as John began to sweat profusely wondering what the hell he might do next.

"It was a misunderstanding. Dot had been lying to me and my girlfriend and I caught on to the game she was playing. When we got home she was already there wearing only a towel. We started fighting and I'm sorry it happened but she has done much worse to me and my girlfriend! You have no idea just how vindictive your daughter can be!" John exclaimed staring at the gun in the man's hand.

"Well all I know is, Dottie sat her Mother and me down last night and told us she's pregnant with your child. Now you are going to do right by her and my grandchild. He closed the chamber and cocked the gun. Do you get what I'm saying. You have already made my daughter look like a fool, running around town cheating on her with every little tramp you could find and you will not leave her pregnant and alone to raise your child by herself! Do you understand?"

John swallowed hard and was very nervous. "I am not the only guy she has been with and if she is pregnant, it could also be a few other guy's baby."

"Are you implying that my daughter sleeps around?"

"I'm not implying anything. She has been with some other guys so I don't know how she could be so sure it's mine."

"My daughter told me that she was with one other guy but they took precautions and that you refused to wear protection and I don't see how you didn't expect this to happen."

"She's lying! She has been with more than just two guys! She said she was on birth control pills. She told me not to use anything and she stopped taking her damn pills without telling me!" John yelled getting a little out of control.

"Stop right there!" Don held the gun up to John's head. "You don't know me! You have no fucking idea what I am capable of!" He cocked the gun holding it to John's head. He slowly pulled the trigger as John stopped breathing when the loud click rang out in his ears, knowing there was at least one damn bullet in the chamber. John's heart continued to race as he started to breathe again realizing he was okay and this asshole hadn't just shot him in the fucking head.

"You know the great thing about working at a chemical plant. It would be very easy for me to dispose of a body in probably ten different compound tanks here and there would be absolutely nothing left of you, after about an hour." He looked at John with a crazy blind rage in his eyes. "I don't want to hear any of your excuses. You are both at fault. You will be holding up your end of the responsibility to my daughter and grandchild."

John knew it was useless to argue with his crazy ass. He jumped up and headed for the door with Don calling out to him. Demanding he come back in the room. "If he's going to shoot me go ahead!" he thought, trying to get the fuck out to the van as quickly as he could.

Richie looked up and saw John coming to the van white as a ghost.

"What happened Johnny?"

"The fucker pulled a gun on me with one bullet in it and pulled the trigger at my fucking head! He told me he could dissolve my dead body in one of the chemical tanks and nobody would ever know! John yelled, as he screeched the tires driving away.

"What?" Richie asked thinking he hadn't heard him correctly.

"You heard me! He told me Dot's pregnant and that she swears it's my damn kid!"

"Damn Johnny! What are you going to do? You're fucked man!"

"I know, the worst possible predicament I could be in! And with the last damn person I would want to be in it with!"

"You need to tell your folks what he did to you!"

"Hell no! They'll have too many questions and I can't let Ma get wind that Dot's pregnant! She'll breath down my neck like a fucking dragon for me to marry her!"

"Damn you're right. Are you going to tell Ash?"

"Hell no! I'm not upsetting her about this stupid shit! Who knows whose baby it is and she is not going to fuck up what I have with Ashley! I won't let her! And you don't say a word to her! I don't want her worrying about anything! Promise me Richie!"

"Yeah man, I won't say anything. I hope you know what you're doing."

"Fuck no I don't, but what else can I do? I don't love Dot. Hell I can't stand her! And I know in my heart this ain't my fucking kid!"

"I sure hope you're right." Richie looked at him knowing he was in deep shit.

They got back to the club. And Harold handed them their envelopes of cash. "There's a little something extra in there for both of you. Thanks and get out of here go get ready for your concert."


They walked out of the office and each checked their envelope. Richie had 400 dollars and John had 800. John once again kept from Richie that Harold had shown favortism again and had given him more money. Happily they both headed to their cars to get ready for the concert tonight. John had one little stop to make at Kinney's shoe store. He had been eyeing a fresh pair of cowboy boots and since he had made a lot more than he thought he was going to treat himself. He tried them on an instantly fell in love.

A girl walked by holding a box of ladies boots and he hurried over to the women's section to see if they had them in a size seven. He snatched them up and laid the box on top of his. He paid for both pairs and starting driving home with thoughts of the events at the Dupont plant running through his mind. He thought about telling Ashley, but there wasn't anything she could do and he didn't want to worry her.

This was suppose to be their fresh beginning and a great night they had been looking forward to. He pushed all the bad thoughts out of his mind and flooded his brain with thoughts of Ashley. The only woman that truly mattered.

He got out and ran upstairs. Her car was there so she was already home. He hurried in and sprang the box on her. "I hope you like these. If not you can exchange them for whatever you want." He smiled.

She opened the box and pulled the boots out.

"Oh John I love them!" She slid them on and looked down at them. "They are beautiful. Thank you so much." She kissed his lips.

"We've  got a little time let's go walk on the beach." He smiled, so glad to see her and happy she really liked the boots.

"Okay." She took her new boots off and slipped on her flip flops. They walked across the road and she kicked her shoes off in the sand. Loving the feel of the sand between her toes and walked down the beach together. He lifted her up and kissed her in the surf. "I love you Ashley and nothing will ever change that."

"I love you too."

"I want us to have a great night together. I want everything to be perfect." He smiled.

"Don't worry John. I'm sure it will be, I'll be with you." She smiled back at him.

Chapter 67: End Of The Road

The next morning at 7:55 a.m. John woke up to a loud banging on his front door. He jumped out of bed, still naked as a jaybird. He reached for his jeans and pulled them up quickly. He hurried to the door wondering who the hell it could be. He pulled it open with a great deal of force to stop the incessant banging.

"Ma! What are you doing here?" He forced an awkward smile.

"Well are you not going to invite your own Mother in? I thought I taught you better than that." She glanced at him and worried he wasn't eating enough. He looked too skinny.

"Yeah sure come in." He instantly thought of  Ashley lying totally naked in the next room with half  the covers kicked off. "Let me grab a shirt. He hurried in the bedroom and shut the door. "Ashley, it's my Mother!" He whispered.

Ashley flung her eyes open. "What? Your Mom is here now!" She jumped up and wrapped the sheet around her and scurried into the bathroom.

John threw on a shirt and went back out to the living room and closed the bedroom door.

A disapproving Carol had already put two and two together and realized John had a girl in the bedroom. She just hoped like hell it wasn't Ashley.

She glared at her son as he entered the room.

"What? What are you looking at me like that for?" He asked noticing how unhappy she seemed.

"Who is she?"

"Who is who?"

"Who is the tramp you have stashed in your bedroom?"

"Look it is too early in the morning for this! I was up late and I've got a pounding headache. What exactly brought you over here?"

"Is that Ashley's car in the parking lot? I knew she was trying to move in to take advantage of you! I hoped you would come to your senses by now! I certainly hope you are using protection! You don't know who all she's been with and she is probably trying to get herself pregnant to get her hooks into you! Wise up Johnny!"

"Look we have already been over this!" I told you she was a virgin before she got with me! And stop worrying! I want to be with her! I begged her to move in! She didn't really want to!"

"Probably because of all those boys she has on the side. There is still a few boys hanging out at her house! And not to mention me catching her all over your best damn friend!"

"Richie is just her friend Ma! Look I didn't want to tell you this. The guy with the black Charger that is staying with her brother, is her ex boyfriend and he used to beat her up when they were together. He grabbed her and choked her infront of Richie and he punched him and got him off of her. That's what the hug you saw, was about."

"Well that's awful, but don't let her drag you boys into her squabbles with her boyfriend!"

John laughed holding his head. "I am her boyfriend, Ma! Me, nobody else! I love her, I want to be with her! She's not trying to get herself pregnant, but even if it did happen. I would beg her to marry me and I'd be there for her and hope like hell she never realized that she deserves so much damn better than me! So please drop this crazy shit because you are really starting to piss me off!"

"Watch that smart mouth Johnny! I am your Mother. I just came here to check on you and see how you are doing."

"I'm a little better, I'm going back to work for Harold today."

"Are you sure you're ready?"

"Yeah I'm good."

"Tony told me Dorothea called me yesterday, when I was at the market. Do you have any idea what she would want to talk to me about?"

"That maybe like a dumbass I went and knocked her up!" He thought to himself and lied through his teeth.

"No I have no idea what she could want." He replied with a straight face.

"Well I still don't like or trust her, but she is a Jersey girl. If I had to go with the lesser of two evils. I would rather you be with her than little Miss Mississippi in there!"

"Give it a break! Would you? Ashley is going to hear you!"

But it was too late. Ashley was sitting on the bed and through the paper thin walls, she could hear everything John's Mother had to say about her.

"Don't worry about Dorothea. She is really jealous of me and Ashley. She is probably trying to stir up some trouble for me!"

"Okay I want bother with talking to her then. Have you got in touch witht that cute litte nure from the hospital?" She smiled.

"No she's really not my type." He blurted out. Hoping to shut her up.

"She really seemed like your type, when you were in the hospital." She argued.

"No, Ma please drop it."

"Okay, but don't forget your Dr. appointment Tuesday. I will pick you up at 9:00 sharp."

"Ok fine I will be ready."

"Well I need to go. I'm going to the shop for your Father to do my hair."

"Okay Ma, glad you stopped by. I miss you. "

"Miss you too baby." She smiled.

Carol walked out tbe door and John headed to do damage control. He hoped Ashley hadn't heard any of the hurtful things his Mother had hissed out. But he knew with such thin walls she had.

"She's gone." He smiled, trying to read her face.

She looked disappointed. "She hates me John."

"I swear it's not you. It's just the thought of you. She has never liked any of my girlfriends. She knows I love you and I moved out and I'm pulling away from her. That's what she hates."

"But she said she would rather you be with Dorothea and if she's pregnant she will want you with her."

"If Dot's pregnant, that's an unfortunate mistake on my part. It never should have happened. I was high on my pain pills and fantasizing about you constantly. I was out of my mind and thought I was making love to you. Even Dot said our sex was never that good before."

"John please don't, I don't want to here that."

"Oh fuck, I'm so sorry. I didn't even mean to bring it up."

"It's okay. I heard you say you would want to marry me if I were pregnant."

"I know you said you don't want to ever get married, but I would try my damnest to change your mind if you were carrying my kid."

"See that's what I don't get. If I were pregnant you would want to settle down with me. What about Dorothea? Wouldn't you want to be with that child?"

"I would be there for my child but as long as you existed anywhere in this universe, I would still love you and only you. I couldn't pretend to love Dot. I have to be with you."

"A baby would change things." She looked up at him."

"Not for me. Not my feelings for you."

"This is so hard for me." She looked at him with pain showing on her face.

"It's okay, there's no way the lying bitch is pregnant. She's just trying to start trouble for us. She hates we are together."

"I love you John."

"I love you too. I've got to get ready for work. Come take a shower with me."

She smiled. "Okay."

They finished showering and exited the bathroom with a happy little satisfied grin on their faces. With lack of time, they really had just planned to only shower but when they started kissing they both got carried away. The memory of the hot quickie was sure to stay fresh in their minds for the rest of the day.

They got dressed and Ashley helped John with his hair. "Thanks baby. I look damn fine today."

"Yeah but you always do. I'll see you this afternoon.  I love you." She kissed him on the lips.

"Was it good this morning?" He asked with a smirk.

"You know it was." She smiled and looked away.

"Oh no don't act like you're shy, after what we just did!" He laughed.

"I'm not shy doing it with you. Just talking about it after." She blushed a little.

"I know you don't know, because you've only done it with me, but we have damn good sex baby!"

"Oh John!" She gave him an awkward smile.

"I'm serious baby, sex with you is the best I've ever had." He kissed her.

"I doubt that. I've got to get to work." She grabbed her keys and purse. He walked her down to her car. He kissed her through the window.

"Bye baby."

"Bye John." She drove away and he stood there thinking how happy he was since she came into his life.

He went back upstairs and ate two toaster waffles and drank a glass of orange juice. He grabbed his keys, locked up and walked outside to go to his car. He noticed a new girl that just moved in. Blonde and really hot. Just the kind he was normally attracted to.

"Hi I'm Tiffany. Is that your Mustang?"

"Yeah, hi I'm Johnny. Excuse my voice it's kinda messed up right now."

"Oh well that's okay. I just love old Mustangs. I'd love to go riding in it sometime." She smiled really big and her emerald green eyes sparkled as he looked at her.

"I'm sorry." He grinned.  "But I have a girlfriend and she'll kick my ass if I take any other girls for a ride." He laughed.

"At least you're honest. I have a boyfriend, but I don't let him tell me what I can do." She grinned. "It's a lot more fun that way!"

John just smiled. Not really sure what to say.

"With that long hair of yours. you look like you should be in a band or something."

"I am, it's called the Rest."

"Cool I just love drummers. What do you play?"

"I play guitar, sing, and I write songs."

"Where do you guys play?"

"All over. The Fast Lane a lot."

"I'll have to drop in sometime to watch you."

"Okay it was good to meet you. I've got to get to work."

"Okay well if you ever need anything, I'm in 6 A. Bye Johnny."

"Bye." He climbed in and drove away thinking. "If I didn't have a girlfriend, I would of been all over that. But she sure wouldn't be worth me losing Ash." He grinned driving down the beach. Proud of himself for being a good boyfriend.

Ashley had pulled in at a gas station to buy a cup of coffee. Walking outside she felt someone tap her shoulder.

"Hey Ash."

She turned around to find Jake.

"What do you want Jake?"

"You know you are so fucking hostile to me! You didn't used to be the way."

"I guess always getting hurt by you, tends to bring out the hostility in me!"

He laughed. "You're talking bout the other day at your house. Aww shit girl that wasn't nothin. You know I was just playing with your ass!"

"I couldn't breathe Jake!"

"I was just fucking with ya." He chuckled. That's all I can do  since you won't let me fuck you." He looked her up and down and licked his lips. "Damn you are looking mighty fine! You sure Bongiovi can keep you satisfied. I mean if he's all you ever had, how would you really know?"

"I've got to go she tried to walk past him and he grabbed her arm.

"Let me go!" She tried to jerk her arm from him.

"Just settle down." He looked into her unhappy blue eyes with his dark almost evil eyes. "You know that fine little sis of yours is looking alot like you these days. It's almost like she's the spitting image of you at that age. She's not quite as hot as you are. I mean your tits are amazing. She's got the same smart mouth you do. But I could put it to good use like I did yours. You gave the best head in three counties!" He smiled.

"Fuck you! You better leave Kelly alone!" Ashley was pissed and was almost shaking she was so mad.

"Well if I can't have you I might as well go after the next best thing!" I saw her up at Thunder's with her fake i.d. She's hanging around Presley James. Now that little slut will get her in trouble for sure."

"I told her to leave that bitch alone." Ashley replied pulling her arm away from his grasp.

"They were at a table full  of navy guys. Some punks from up here in New York. I told her to get her ass home. She asked me to give her a ride down to the beach and she asked me for a joint."

"Did you give it to her?"

"Yep I gave her both of them and she was flirting with me Ash! She told me she always thought I was hot and that she had a dream, that I kissed her. I could of had her! I could of fucked your little sis right there at the point! The same spot I used to makeout with you."

"I'm warning you! You better not touch her!"

"She's naive just like you used to be Ash."

"Look, she's young and innocent and way too good for you and you are way too damn advanced for her!"

"Maybe not. I heard she ain't a virgin no more. She gave it up to Double J at the shell pile, this summer and two other guys since. I guess she's gotten a little loose like her big sis did."

"You're a lying bastard! She hates Double J!"

"Nope it's true she's getting wild and Wendi couldn't care less. Nobody's looking out for her. When are you going to come to your senses and come home. You have that nice damn place your PawPaw left you. You don't have to  move back in with Wendi. He wouldn't want you up here! I know you're not happy here. You miss home, I know you do! These people here are nothing like us Ashley! And I hear you trying to tone down your fucking accent! What's the matter Ash, your boyfriend don't approve of that backwoods accent?"

"No he's never said a word about it!" I do that for myself. I hate my accent! They talk different up here and I sound so country and dumb!"

"That's what I'm saying baby you don't fit in here. You or Stacey!"

"Well if you hate it here so much, why the hell do you keep coming back? And why were you trying to find a job here?" She questioned looking up at him.

"Because you're here."

"Don't factor me into your life choices Jake. I'm sorry, but I'm totally in love with John. Nobody has ever made me feel the way he does."

"That's how I love you."

"No you don't. That's how much you want to control me. I've got to get to work. Go home Jake. Forget about me."

She walked over to her car and drove away with him standing there watching her.

John pulled up at Galaxy and was surprised as shit to see Richie's car there.

He walked in and went up to Kristen at the bar. What's Richie doing here?"

"Harold called him. He needed him to help him with something out back. He tried to call you. Your phone isn't on yet."


"It should be on today. Damn I really didn't want to see him up here."

"Aww come on you too besties arguing. I smell a female influence here."

"No just an asshole jerk. I don't need hanging around."

"Well don't look now but Mr. asshole jerk is headed this way." She walked away giggling.

"Hey Johnny. I know you probably don't want me here but Harold wanted me to help him out this morning."

"It's fine, whatever Harold wants."

Harold walked out. "Boys I have some deliveries for you. He handed John a list. "The van is gassed up and ready. Don't you boys have that concert tonight?"

"Yes sir it's tonight. Well after the deliveries you can take off. I know you need time to get dressed and work on all that hair that the both of you have. I'll ever understand this fad of all this hair.  Men looking like women! I don't get it. I'm surprised these young girls go for that!" He shook his head.

"Oh we definitely go for it!" Kristen called out. "I just love a man with long hair!" She smiled.

John laughed. "See Harold the babes love it!" He smiled.

"Okay." He laughed. "Just get with me when the deliveries are done and I'll pay you."

"Okay thanks. John replied taking the list and not waiting for Richie.

"Johnny wait up!" Richie called out getting pissed.

"What?" He spun around unhappy about this situation.

"I told Harold I couldn't work for him  anymore, that we had a falling out and he told me to get my ass on up here anyway."

"Is that what you call it? A falling out?"

"Well yeah, I did something dumb and you're pissed at me."

"Look Harold wants you working for him fine. But you need to know, we aren't best friends anymore! I don't know what we are."

Kristen called out to them. "Here's one more box they forgot to load!"

They stopped arguing for a minute.

"Is it already on the list?" John asked.

"Yeah they just forgot to put it in the van."

She went back inside and John put the box in the back of the van.

"We've been through a lot of shit Johnny. Hell you are more like a brother to me than a friend! Is this it? Is this the end of the road for us?"

"Maybe. You haven't given me one good reason why you tried to fuck me over with Ashley."

"I thought if anybody in the world would understand you would. You did the very same thing to Bobby, when you got with Dorothea."

"Well in case you didn't notice Bobby and I aren't even friends anymore and I regret that a lot. I used to sit back and watch him with Dot and thought they had everything. She had me fooled alright. It certainly wasn't worth it, to lose one of my best friends for a mediocre piece of ass."

"Damn Johnny all I can do is apologize. But I can't say I regret it. Nobody really thought you were going to get your memory back and you were really hurting her. I was." John cut him off.

"Thinking with your dick!"

"No I wasn't trying to sleep with her. I just wanted her to know how I felt."

"Well that's bullshit and I don't know if I can get past it. You knew what she meat to me. You stabbed me in the back. That shit hurt like a motherfucker and I don't see me forgiving you anytime soon." John looked up with a little hurt  in his eyes.

"That's fair. I guess I deserve that." Richie couldn't argue. He knew he was right.

"Come on let's get these deliveries done. So we can get paid and get the hell out of here." John snapped as he jumped in the van."

"Where's our first stop?"

"Well this doesn't make any sense." Richie scrunched up his face questioning the delivery.

"Not the Candystore again?" John shook his head.

"No it's the Dupont plant, it's a delivery for Donald Hurley."

"What the hell could Dot's Dad be getting delivered from Harold?" John asked baffled.

"I have no fucking idea!" Richie answered.

Chapter 66: Forgiven

"Oh really. That's all you would need huh? I don't know if you're that lucky!" She looked into his blue eyes with a little smirk on her face.

"Oh I'm feeling pretty damn lucky, since I got my memory back and remembered I'm with the hottest chick in town." He grinned.

"John you don't have to say things like that."

"But it's true! I don't know how you don't realize how beautiful you are. But when I first saw you, It was the first thing I noticed. I knew it wouldn't be long until you were mine."

"That first day I saw you with Richie. I thought you were gorgeous, I wanted to run my fingers through your long hair."

"Oh the hair got you to notice me. You should of told me you wanted to to run your fingers throught it, I would have let you."

"You're not opposed to strangers touching all over you?" She replied and stood back waiting for his answer.

He grinned at this loaded question and the look on her face. "Only because it was you baby. I would of let you touch anything you wanted to. Hell I would of even encouraged it."

"Good answer. But don't think I don't know you're lying!" She smiled.

"I don't need anybody else if I've got you Ash. I swear. When I'm with you I don't even notice other girls."

"You're such a smooth talker. I wonder if I can believe half the shit you say." She studied his eyes, hoping everything he told her was true.

"Just believe this Ashley Michelle Covington, I love you."

"I love you too."


Bret and Lacey walked up. "You are coming in tomorrow right?" He looked at Ashley.

"Yeah early in the morning."

"Okay great I need you to order everything for the bar and book some bands for the last week in the month. Two bands cancelled. He turned to John. "How are you doing man?"

"Better but my voice is still rough though."

"I hear it. Hope it heals quick. Jack wants to put Sebastian in your spot."

"He mentioned it to me. I told him not to, but whatever he wants to do. I don't know when I'll be ready sing again." He looked up and noticed Lacey looking at him.

"Hi Johnny, I was sorry to hear you got hurt." She smiled sympathetically.

"Thanks I'll be fine."

"Ash can you get me the schedule for the bands?" Bret asked.

"Yeah." She turned to John. "I'll be right back."

"Okay baby."

Ashley and Bret walked away.

John noticed Lacey smiling at him. "What? He asked with a grin.

"You're in love Johnny Bongiovi." She grinned. "I can tell."

"Yeah I am. She's the best thing that's come into my life in a long time."

"Good. She seems sweet and she sure is beautiful."

John smiled. "Yeah she is."

"I know she was with Bret. And I don't want to cause trouble, but do you think he's hung up on her a little. I mean he talks about her all the damn time. I remember how jealous you were about Candi. Aren't you the least bit jealous of Bret working with her?"

"Hey you know how I am, but I love her. I can't hold her back. It's a good job for her. And it ain't like she's taking her clothes off like Candi was."

"Well if it's any consulation. Candi regrets what happened. She had real feelings for you Johnny. She was new to the club then and naive and she believed all the lies Travis told her."

"It doesn't matter now. When I left the club the night I caught her with Travis, I knew we were over for good."

"I figured as much. Well maybe you and her could at least be friends."

John chuckled. "I don't think so."

"Okay well I tried."

"Well forget it." He shook his head.

Ashley was digging out the schedule for Bret. "Here it is."

"Thanks, add Jack and his band next week. City Nights cancelled again. And I'm not dealing with Ana anymore. She's an okay singer, but she's flaky as shit."

"Okay I changed it." She put the schedule down glancing at Bret.

"Are you okay Ash?"

"Yeah I'm good. John got his memory back and I couldn't be happier." She gave him her big fake smile.

"You forget how well I know you. What's really going on."

She looked sad and leaned her head over on Bret. "Dorothea said she might be pregnant with John's baby."

"How would she know who's it is? I've heard a few things about her lately." He grinned.

She laughed. "Well I've seen some things. I caught her in my bed with Jake!"

"Well how the hell can she hang it on Johnny then?"

"She swears she used condoms with everybody else. But who knows, she seems to lie a lot."

"Ash, don't get mad but I have to ask. Do you think he really lost his memory? I mean it's a little convient if you ask me. It just seemed to give him a license to cheat on you."

"I appreciate your concern Bret, but I didn't ask you!"

"Hold up, I said don't get mad." He stood up smiling looking at her. "I ain't trying to start any shit. I swear. I'm just asking."

"I'm not mad at you, but I just want everybody to stay out of our business. I love John and will be there for him, no matter what."

"Even if he's bouncing his and Dorothea's baby on his knee?"

"I don't even want to think about that. I need to get back to him."

"Are you guys going to Van Halen tomorrow?" He asked opening the door.

"Yeah I'm really looking forward to it."

"We are too. C.C. heard from our old tour manager that Steven Tyler might be at the show!"

"Aww that would be so cool! John would love that! I'd love to get his autograph."

"Maybe you will get a chance. He'll probably party with the band after. They might ask you backstage if you wear one of those low cut sexy dresses of yours!" He laughed.

"John would kill me! I couldn't go back there, even if they asked me."

"You'll change your mind quick if Eddie or David, even Steven himself showed up and asked you to party with him. You said yes to me quick when I asked." He grinned.

"I didn't have a boyfriend then and there will be a lot of prettier girls out there than me, tomorrow night."

"I noticed you at my show, you were the prettiest girl I had ever seen. You still hold that title by the way." Bret smiled looking at her.

"Thanks, but this is where I say goodnight Bret. See you tomorrow." She walked out to look for John, who was by himself at the bar.

"Hey John I'm done if you are ready to go."

"Yep, here's my keys, you might need to drive. He looked at her with his alcohol infused eyes.

"Okay." They walked out to his car.

They pulled up at the apartment. She tried to help him out of the car, and he fell back in the seat laughing.

"You are so trashed John."

"No I'm not I can crawl out of here myself. He busted out laughing.

"Come on let me help you."

"You've got to motivate me. Take your shirt off or something!" He chuckled.

"John!" She giggled pulling him out.

They made it up the stairs and opened the door. He plopped down on the couch and pulled his cowboy boots off.

"God you are sexy baby." He smiled and licked his lips with his tongue.

"Thanks." She didn't know why but she felt nervous all of a sudden. His eyes were a darker shade of blue. Filled with want and lust for her.

He stood up and grabbed her hand and pulled her to the bedroom and the new queen sized bed. "I've wanted you so bad Ashley." He laid her down and started kissing her neck and her body responded with goosebumps and her nipples got rock hard under his gentle touches and heated breath on her neck.


" I love you Ashley, you are everything to me baby."

"I love you too John."

He pulled at her yellow top and it soon hit the floor. The straps of her dress fell down exposing more of her breasts. "God you look so fucking hot in this dress. His drunken smile lit up his face. He pushed the top of the dress down exposing that she was indeed braless. "Oh I love your tits Ash. They're perfect baby." His tongue darted out and with a light swirl around her left nipple and he ended it, by lightly biting down right on the tip of it and it drove her wild.

She ran her hand through his chest hair sticking out of his low cut shirt. It was soft and felt warm against his skin. She pulled at the buttons of his shirt and they popped open exposing the rest of his glorious chest. She loved his chest, it really turned her on.

John tugged her dress off and it hit the floor. The only thing left was red silky panties he grabbed at with his teeth and slowly slid down exposing her birthmark and he ran his tongue over it as she gasped at his hot tongue gliding across her flesh.

He licked his finger and inserted it inside her, feeling just how hot and tight she felt. He ran his hot tongue around the outside as she arched her back and spread her legs a little more as he was driving her wild with his tongue. He rammed in a second finger speeding up his movements. He was well aware of his ability to easily make her cum more than once and he was well on the way to get her there for the first one. She moaned louder and he grinned knowing the fucking punks next door were getting and earful and probably had their nosy asses pressed up against the wall listening.

She called out his name. "Oh Johnny!" She cried as her body tightened and shook as she moaned out in ectasy.

He got up close by her face. "Johnny huh? Since when do you call me that?" He laughed.

She smiled. Well technically I was out of my mind." She smiled.

"Oh I liked it. Believe me I'll answer to anything you call me." He laughed. "Tom or Joe, if you're lucky I might even let you call me Francis." He grinned.

"Francis, I love your cute middle name, but it's too sweet for you."

"I hate it. But it's part of my curse." He grinned.

"You have a curse, I don't know about?" She wrinkled up her forhead looking at him.

He grinned. "Yep a goofy middle name and this big dick." He chuckled and she started laughing. "I've had to learn to live with both of them."

"Oh Lord you make me laugh!" She smiled at him and he got serious for a moment.

"I really am sorry Ashley. I never meant to hurt you, not even for a second. It makes me feel so bad knowing what happened. Can you forgive me?" He looked at her with his big blue eyes studying her face waiting for an answer.

"Yes John, I love you and I know you didn't mean for it to happen. I forgive you. But you have to know, if you really ever cheat on me, I'm gone!"

"Well you don't have to worry then, because  in my right mind, I ain't that damn stupid. Now what name is it going to be tonight?"

"Huh?" She looked at him like he was crazy.

"The name you call me and moan out in my ear? Johnny, Tom or Joe?" He grinned his drunken goofy grin at her.

"You're so crazy!" She smiled. "I vote for sweet little Francis. "Why don't you come here and fuck me Francis?" She giggled.

"Oh God don't say that! I'll blow my wad in about two seconds." He laughed but he knew it was true.

He started kissing her and she fumbled with his buckle on his belt. He grabbed for it and unbuckled it, in a hurry. Then he unbuttoned his jeans and  tugged them and his underwear down til they fell on the floor. He was standing there in the moonlight shining through the window. His long hair flowing down his shoulders. That chest she loved so much, with every perfect hair in place. And last but certainly not least, his well endowed swollen cock ready to pleasure her immensely. She smiled knowing he knew just how gorgeous he really was. He stood there and started slowly stroking his hard dick looking at her. She knew what he wanted, for her to take him in her mouth. Oh how he loved a good blowjob.

She reached out and moved his hand and stroked it as he  closed his eyes and leaned back letting his long hair cascade down his back. She put it in her mouth and rolled her tongue around the tip of it. He quickly jerked his head back to watch her. Hoping she would try to deep throat it just once.

"Oh damn baby that feels so good!" He had longed for her to touch him again. And now that she was, he was having to hold back from blowing his whole wad right in her mouth. She pushed him on the bed and he watched her as she blew his mind almost bringing him to orgasm three different times with her hot tongue. But she stopped each time before he could. She tried to take it all in her mouth, but it was too big for her. He couldn't take it anymore. "I've got to have you now Ash."

He laid her down and quickly entered inside her. She was so hot and tight. "Damn this is the best feeling in the world baby. I love your pussy." He slowly moaned out into her ear as he was gently pumping into her. This is what he wanted what he had been dreaming about. He began to thrust harder and deeper. Giving her the whole length of his cock as she moaned and cried out in his ear as he fucked her harder. "Oh John I'm gonna cum. She moaned as he pounded her deeper as her body realeased and contracted all around his swollen dick. He had to pull out before he exploded all inside her. He wasn't ready for it to be over just yet. He kissed and  ran his tongue along her neck.

It tingled her body and she longed for him to be back inside her. He gently kissed her and grabbed her hand in his. He was so glad to be this close to her again.

He pulled her up and they stood on the floor and he bent her over the bed and he entered her from behind as she gasped when he filled her totally up and and pushed her body to the limit as he began to thrust into her. She cried out. "Oh John." As his movements got faster and harder. She could feel another orgasm building and she tightened around his thick cock. "Oh John I'm gonna cum." She cried out and he felt his own orgasm building. He couldn't hold off any longer. She tightened around him, he groaned out. "Oh fuck Ashley, I'm cumming!" He thrusted in as far as he could go and  exploded inside her as she bucked and moaned beneath him.

He pulled out and laid down on the bed and pulled her over closer to him.

"I love you Ashley. I don't think you know just how much." He breathlessly whispered in her ear.

"I love you too." She smiled.

They drifted off to sleep. Exhausted, satisfied, and totally in love with each other. He was so happy she had forgiven him. He was determined to make it up to her and never hurt her again.

Chapter 65: A Very Jealous Boyfriend

"Ashley right?" Some guy came up to her but she couldn't place him. She knew she had seen him before, but she couldn't remember where.

"Yeah. I'm sorry you look familiar but I don't remember where I know you from."

"Oh well, I'm heartbroken. I must be slipping when a beautiful girl doesn't even remember who I am. You met me at the Candy Store. I'm Travis the manager over there. Lacey introduced us. Listen did you give any thought to dancing at the club or going out for a few drinks with me? With a body like yours."  He paused and lightly put his finger on her chest right above her breast and she looked down in shock that he was actually  touching her. "It would just be ashamed not to use all the assets you were blessed with."

He removed his finger and stood there anxiously waiting for her reply.

"I already have a job and a very jealous boyfriend. I work here at The Fast Lane. And I wouldn't ever be interested in going out with you or dancing at your club. You really couldn't pay me enough money." She gave him a serious look to let him know she wasn't interested.

"Well Bret can't be paying you what I can promise you. Oh wait, you must be sleeping with him, I get it now!" He chuckled.

A rather loud hoarse voice rang out from behind him. "Hell no she ain't banging Bret!"

Travis spun around to find John. "Bongiovi, I should have known, you were somewhere in this picture."

"Yep Travis, she's my girlfriend. And if you want to keep that finger of yours, you better not ever touch her with it again!"

"Come on Johnny, we're all friends here. Just looking for some new talent for the club. You know how it is. You used to be a regular at the there with your fake i.d. After a while the same old girls every night gets stale."

"Well you better look elsewhere then asshole! She already told you. She's not interested in you or your fucking club!" John had already downed a few shots of  Jack Daniels and was feeling pretty invincible.

Travis laughed. "So hostile Johnny! You can't still be pissed about that girl man? I wasn't the only guy Candi was messing with behind your back! She's a stripper! What the hell did you expect?"

Ashley remembered meeting Lacey's friend Candi. She wondered if it could be the same girl. "Oh it has to be." She thought to herself.

"Just get the fuck out of here!" John yelled to this guy that was really touching a nerve with him.

"Okay sure but if you're ever interested Ashley, you know where to find me." He turned and left.

John's anger was showing. "How the hell do you know him?"

"Bret's girlfriend, Lacey introduced me to him once. I didn't even remember him, until he told me who he was."

"You need to stay the hell away from Lacey and all those damn girls!" He demanded as his eyes got a little wild.

"You really mean Candi! I already met her John! I didn't know you had a thing for her though."

"That's ancient history. Just another damn girl I couldn't trust. Promise me you'll stay away from Travis. He's bad news Ash! I don't like the way he looks at you. Matter of fact, I don't like the way every guy in this damn club is looking at you! I don't want you wearing that damn dress ever again! You had a shirt or something over it! What happened to it?"

"It's right here on the back of my chair. Since when do you have a problem with my clothes?"

"Tonight! Look around at all these fucking guys gawking at you Ash, with your fucking tits hanging out!"

"I wore this dress for you John!"

"Why? You barely let me fucking touch you! But you wore that!"

"Stop John! I'm not fighting with you. I'm sorry some girl cheated on you, and the bad memory got brought up, but don't take it out on me!"

"I'm not. I don't mind most of your clothes but that dress without that other shirt is just too much. Okay? I know you're hot! Every guy in here knows your hot! But some things I want to be just for my eyes only. Okay?"

"Yes. I'm sorry. I spilled some champagne on the other shirt and that was the only reason, I took it off." She picked it up and slipped it back on. "I'm sorry you feel like I won't let you touch me. I want to, but it feels like you cheated on me and I'm trying to get over it. I know you couldn't remember me, but it hurts my heart just the same."

"I'm so sorry. I love you Ashley. If I could take back being with those girls I would. It didn't mean shit to me! Not like when I make love to you. But you've thrown up this roadblock and we won't get back on track unless you take it down. Do you love me?" He smiled his goofy little smile at her.

"You know I do." She smiled back.

"Well take me home and rape me then." He grinned.

She smiled and he moved in to kiss her.

"Damn do you two ever come up for air?"

John opened his eyes to find Tico standing there. "Hey man. You know how it is. I can't get this chick off me!" He chuckled.

"He's lying to you Tico! He kissed me!" Ashley quickly corrected him.

"And I believe you darlin, I know how he operates."

Stacey walked up to Ashley. She was kind of upset.

"John I'll be back, something is going on with Stacey."

"Okay baby."

Ashley walked over to a table with Stacey.

"Did you patch things up with Richie yet?" Tico asked John.

"I don't know if I can man. He went after her. He thought I was out of the picture and he tried to fill her head full of shit! He did look out for her over at her house earlier. That asshole Jake was hurting her. He got him off of her."

"Good. Richie is a good guy and you two are like brothers."

"I know that's why it hurt so damn much Tico." John's eyes were sad and his voice cracked a little.

"We all make mistakes man. And nothing makes you do it faster than a beautiful woman." Tico grinned.

"Yeah but you wouldn't say that shit if it was your woman Tico!" John just shook his head.

"I'd probably forgive him. When he healed up from the beat down I would give him!" They both started laughing.

"You know what I'm saying. It's hard to just forgive and forget." John replied looking over at Ashley and Stacey.

"Oh Ashley, Dalton told me he wanted to take a little break. I just saw him all over his high school girlfriend."

"Oh Stace, I'm so sorry. Don't you dare sit around waiting for him! We are gonna find you somebody that will treat you right!"

"Thanks, but I'm done. Guys are just too damn much trouble. And the cuter they are the harder they are on your heart.

Ashley looked over at John staring at her.

"You are preaching to the choir, cuz. I know that first hand."

"Yeah I guess you do. Are things okay between y'all now?"

"We're trying, but it's hard for me to get past everything that happened."

"If it's meant to be, nothing can mess it up."

"I hope so. I love him. I really  do and I think he loves me.  And he's got this totally sweet side, I've never known anybody like him. He makes me feel so special."

"I'm happy for you Ash. I thought Dalton was special like that for me, but at the same time he sort of kept his distance. I don't know why, but it doesn't matter now, it's over."

John walked up. "Hey you two okay over here?"

"Yeah we're fine." Ashley replied and looked at Stacey knowing she wasn't.

"I'll be back, I'm going to fix my face." Stacey hurried to the bathroom.

"What's she crying about?" John asked watching her dab tears out of her eyes.

"She broke up with Dalton for good. He's getting back with his high school girlfriend."

"Ouch damn, I'm sorry."

"I might go stay with her tonight. She's really upset." She looked at his face and already knew he wasn't going for that.

"Hell no Ash! I want you to stay at the apartment with me. We had plans!" He whined like a five year old throwing a tantrum.

"We both have to go back to work tomorrow so what plans do we have?" She asked not realizing what he was refering to.

"You, me, that new big queen sized bed, and no clothes. My favorite kind of plans." He replied with the hint of a smirk.

"Look John I love you, but if Stacey needs me I want to be there for her. She's always been there for me."

"I just want to be alone with you so we can make up and forget everything that happened."

Stacey walked up. "I'm leaving, I'm tired and I just want to go home."

"Do you want me to go with you?" Ashley asked staring at Stacey for a reply.

Stacey glanced at John who was was gently shaking his head no.

Stacey lightly laughed looking toward John. "No it's okay, I'm just going to bed anyway."

Ashley turned to John. "What were you doing?"

"Nothing!" I wasn't doing a damn thing. He grinned.

"I really would go with you if you need me to." Ashley told her sincerely.

"I know but I'm so wiped out. I'm just going to bed. Go on home with Johnny."

"Okay if you're sure?"

"I am just call me tomorrow."

"The phone is supposed to be on in the morning, so I will."

"Goodnight." Stacey replied half heartedly and left.

"Now you tell me what you were doing Mr Bongiovi?" She gave him a questioning glare.


"A desperate man has to resort to desperate measures." He chuckled.

"You're so bad."

"It's true, I'm a bad boy. Just waiting for you to punish me."

"Your drunk, but you're lucky you're so damn cute." She smiled.

"Hey I have an idea. But don't freak out!"

"Oh I won't, I love kinky baby!" He grinned.

"Not that you perv, it's about Stacey."

"I thought we were finished with her and talking about the way you're going to punish me."

"What about we fix her up with Richie!"

"Oh hell no! You and her are inseparable already, he ain't going to be hanging around that much!"

"But it's perfect! Richie's lonely and Stacey is too. She's always had a crush on him. They will make a great couple! And he's your best friend!"

"Not anymore he's not he severed that fucking tie when he tried to steal you away from me!"

"It wasn't like that John. I was hurting and he was trying to comfort me. Richie is my friend he just got confused and thought he had feelings for me.

"Yeah he wanted to comfort you alright! Right into his fucking bed!" John snapped making a face.

"Come on John! I love you. Please, I would be very appreciative if you would get on board with this."

"What's in it for me?" He grinned and tilted his head looking at her.

"What do you want?" She wrinkled up her forhead wondering what the hell she was getting herself into.

He grabbed her and pulled her close. "I want you to stop pulling away from me. To lower all these damn walls you've put up and love me again, like you did before I fucked up."

She looked into his eyes. "Okay, I promise I will. But please don't hurt me again John. I really don't think I could take it."

"I love you baby. There is no way I could ever hurt you." He hugged her and she melted in his arms, hoping she could believe him.

"So we can fix them up?"

"Sambora is not the hero you think he is! He's probably worse than the guy that ditched her!"

"I don't think Richie is a hero. I only have room for one of those and you're my superman."

"Oh I like that, I'll be your superman baby. Do you want me to wear the whole costume? The cape, the tights, and everything?"

"Oh now that would be a sight, I'd love to see." She giggled.

"So when are you planning to get this disaster rolling?"

"Richie and Stacey? Tommorrow night at the Van Halen concert."

"Well I'm still pissed at Richie and I won't pretend I'm not!"

"Just don't hit him or pick a fight with him! Okay? That's all I'm a asking."

"I guess, but I better get some damn good loving tonight!" He looked at her with a smile and piercing blue eyes that melted her heart like butter.

Chapter 64: A Million Miles Away

Ashley closed her eyes and took a deep breath. He had been so sweet to have the keychain made for her and give her a key to the apartment. She really didn't want to fight with him. But she knew his temper and she had a bit of one herself.

"I didn't say anything, because I know how upset you are at Richie right now. But John, he is my friend. He rea".....He cut her off.

"Let me tell you something right now! Guys don't think like girls! When we want to get a hug from you, sometimes it's not to be sweet or to be your damn friend. We just want to get our hands on your fucking body!"

"Whoa! Wait a minute cowboy! You need to calm the hell down! And first of all! He didn't hug me, I hugged him!" She blurted out, trying to show him how wrong he was about Richie.

John instantly was all fired up. "What the fuck Ashley!" He yelled and paced back and forth so pissed off. "I told you to stay the hell away from him and you go and hug him, out in the front yard for the neighbors and every damn body to see!"

"I'm trying to tell you what happened!"

"Oh I think I have a damn good idea. You know I spent most of the time, at my Mom's house today defending you! Now I'm wondering why I bothered!"

"You didn't have to." Ashley looked at him, like she was disappointed. She couldn't believe the words that had just come out of his mouth.

She retreated. The explanation she was trying to give, simply discarded. Why should she even try. His Mother had planted a seed in his head and unknowingly he was doing just as she had hoped. The only way to stop this argument was to walk away, so that's what she did. She walked out the front door and walked across to the beach.

 John knew he had to cool off. He saw her purse and keys were still there so he walked out to see where she was going. He saw here crossing to the beach and went back inside. He knew she had to come back for her stuff. He was already kicking himself. "Why did I say that to her? I sure didn't mean it and now she's pissed at me!"

Richie was in his car, he had decided to bring over the concert tickets when he saw a visibly upset Ashley walked a little ahead of his car cross the road. He parked his car and sat there watching her for a little bit and then he got out.


"Hey darlin, what's going on, you didn't even notice my car right in front of you?"

"Hey Richie." Sorry I was a million miles away." She gave him a little fake smile but her eyes were a little sad and they tugged at his heart.

"Is something going on with you and Johnny?"

"No not really he just told me how he felt about something his Mom had said."

"You really can't pay any attention to what Carol says about you. She has always been overprotective when it came to Johnny dating and I can't think of one girl she actually liked. But he's thrown her for a loop with some of his choices."

"It's fine. I only care what John thinks of me and he just sided with her a little. Said he was defending me all afternoon to her and now he wondered why he had, after his Mom told him we hugged in the front yard earlier today. I didn't even bother finishing my sentence."

"Damn it Ashley this is the very shit I was talking about! Why does he treat you like this, but he claims he loves you?"

"Calm down Richie. It's the way he feels. He has the right to his opinion. And I have the right to feel shitty about that opinion."

"Okay well I'm sorry she saw us and I'm sorry he's taking it out on you. I've got to go give him something. Maybe he won't come out swinging at me." He chuckled.

"Good luck! He's in a mood and you Mr Sambora are at the top of his shit list!" She gave him a half smile.

"It's okay darlin, I've been there before!" He smiled back at her standing  up. I'll see you later Ash."

"Bye Richie." She mumbled staring off into the water.


John walked out and glanced over at Ashley, still sitting in the sand. He lit a cigarette and saw Richie's car pull up next to his Mustang.


"Oh fuck! This day only getting better!" He thought as Richie approached up the stairs.

Richie looked at John's face and knew he was still pissed. "I see you haven't cooled off any."

"Nah somebody trying to steal my girl, usually tends to piss me off!" John stared back at him.

"Look I just came to give you your Van Halen tickets." Richie pulled them out of his pocket.

"Thanks. John grabbed them, hoping Richie wasn't looking for a conversation.

After an awkward silence. "I guess I better get going." Richie gripped the railing. "Look  I know it ain't my place to say this. But Ashley really doesn't need you being an asshole right now!"

"What's it to you Richie? Don't worry so  damn much about my me and my girlfriend!"

"Well I just spoke to her over on the beach. She did tell you what happened earlier at her house, huh?" Richie gave him a questioning glance, knowing he didn't have a clue.

John rolled his eyes. "I have no idea what you're getting at. But since you seem to know so damn much, why don't you spill it!"

"Ashley got into it with Jake about screwing Dot in her bedroom. He fucking grabbed her by the throat and was choking her!"

"What the fuck! That was the fucking mark I saw on her neck! She didn't tell me shit!"

"Remember when I told you you treat her like shit! This is one of those times! She tried to tell you and you said some hateful shit to her!"

John didn't like it, but he knew he was right. "Okay, I'm a total asshole and I didn't listen to her. So you tell me."

"She found Jake and Dot in her bed and she was pissed, they were in her room. He grabbed her from behind messing with her. She elbowed him in the nuts and he grabbed her by the neck and pushed her on the bed and started choking her!"

"Damn it! I told her not to fucking go over there without me! How did she get him off of her?"

"I fucking punched him!"

"Good! Thanks man, I wish I had been there!"

"She was really upset, I think it brought up some bad memories for her. I thought you should know."

"Okay thanks."

"Well I'm going home, see you later man." Richie went down the stairs and walked out to his car.

John sat there holding the tickets. "Damn it! I've got to go talk to her." He went inside and put the tickets on the table and went out and headed for the beach.

Ashley was sitting in the sand. The late afternoon sun shining down on her face. If she closed her eyes, it was like she was back home in Mississippi. Funny how she was so many miles away, but the smell of the ocean always brought her back to her roots. Sometimes she wondered, what the hell she was doing so far from home. Now was one of those times.  She wasn't mad at John. Maybe just a little frustrated with him. Her thoughts were with her dark memories. How did she think Jake had changed? He was exactly the same. She was lost in those thoughts when a bare pair of feet walked up to her in the sand. She looked up at him.

"Hey John."

"Can I sit down?" He asked looking down at her.

"Sure."

Figeting with his forefinger and his thumb he sat down beside her. "Look I'm sorry, I really didn't mean what I said."

"Don't worry about it. I should have listened to you, and stayed away from Jake.

"Did something happen? Richie just brought over the tickets and he acted like something happened."

"I just fought with Jake about him and Dot having sex in my room."

"He didn't think you were mad because you were jealous did he?"

"No he knew why. But he grabbed me from behind and licked my ear. It really pissed me off so I elbowed him."

"He threw me on the bed and started choking me! I couldn't breath. All the memories of him hitting me and choking me before, flashed back in an instant. I just feel like a fool, believing he had changed."

"I'm so sorry I didn't listen to you earlier. I am such an asshole sometimes. God I wish I had been there! I'll deal with his ass when I catch him out somewhere."

"John please don't. You're still healing and I don't want you to get hurt again."

"Don't worry about me baby. I can take care of myself. Let's go home." He helped her up and they walked home. John had some plans that involved her and the new queen sized bed, they hadn't officially broken in yet.

They walked across the street hand in hand. When they got to the door she turned around to get the key from him.

"I love you Ash." He smiled and handed her the keys.

They walked inside and John noticed Ashley seemed nervous. She sat down at the kitchen table. He sat on the couch. Why are you so far over there. He grinned and motioned for her to come closer.

She hesitated but slowly eased over to him. She sat down beside him and he pulled her close, nuzzling in her ear. His hot breath was driving her wild and setting off goose bumps all over her body. She tried to turn her face away from him, but he grabbed it with his hands and turned it back and slowly kissed her. His tongue was hot and darted into her mouth as his hands rubbed and massaged on her body. His kiss was heated and the passion burning in his eyes let her know just how much he wanted her. His tongue was going wild claiming every square inch of her mouth. "Oh my God he was the best kisser, I've ever had." She thought, as her heart sped up as he laid her back on the couch and spread her legs apart with his knee.

She wanted to stop him. His hands were under her shirt and already had the three little clasps in the front undone.

She broke free from his lips. "John wait!" She pushed him with her hands.

"What's wrong?" He questioned in a breathy whisper.

"I'm sorry John, I just can't. I hope you understand." She looked at him with panic in her eyes.

"Come on Ash! Why? You've barely let me touch you since we've been back together."

"I know, I'm sorry. I told you, I just need some more time."

"Ashley I need you so bad baby. I'll do anything. I told you how sorry I was. I never knowingly cheated on you. I love you."

"I love you too, but this hard for me. I know you were with those other girls and I'm sorry, but I just can't have sex with you, it just feels wrong."

"How do you expect me to be so close to your hot damn body and not expect me to want you, Ash? You're diving me insane!"

"I'm sorry.  I can go stay at Stacey's house. If it would be easier for you?"

"No you're staying right here with me. But please don't make me wait too long. I'm going to get blue balls!" He chuckled.

"What is that?" She asked making a strange face.

"If you keep getting me all worked up with no relief, my nuts with turn blue."

"You're kidding?"

"Nope it's true. See I've got to have you."

"No you don't.  You have two good hands to use."

"Baby it's not the same!"

"Sorry." She grinned.

"Well I need a beer then!" Let's go out tonight."

"If you want to. I guess."

They both got ready and drove up to the Fast Lane.

John had a shot of Jack Daniels  and ordered a beer. "What do you want baby?"

"Nothing right now. I'm good."

"Come on Ash, loosen up a little."

The bartender, Mike sat a big glass of champagne down in front of her. "I know you have that red pass, so don't worry about it."

"Thanks." She smiled. She started drinking and it tickled her nose as it went down.

Ashley stood up. "I'll be back, I've got to go to the bathroom."

"Okay baby."

Jack came up to John. "Damn a walking dead man! I heard you were fucking blue when they put your ass in the ambulance!"

"Yeah, I was out of it. I woke up and couldn't remember shit."

"Heard Dot sunk her claws back into you. Hope you wised up!"

"Oh I did, but a little late.

"Yeah I heard that too. Might be a daddy soon!" He laughed.

"Keep it down will you. Ash is already pissed enough. If I ever want her back in my bed again, She can't keep hearing about that crazy bitch!"

"Oh she's freezing you out! Well at least it was just Dot, it could have been much worse." Jack laughed.

John grinned with a guilty look plastered on his face.

"Oh damn. You screwed more than just Dot? How many?"

"Two others, but shut up! I ain't trying to piss her off more."

"I hear you. How long will your voice be fucked up?"

"Not sure. I've got to go back to the doctor Tuesday."

"Well we went and played a couple gigs since you've been out of commission. I sang but you know my voice ain't that great alone. Sebastian cornered me last night. He wants your spot!"

"Fuck him! John yelled straining his voice more. He's an asshole."

"Oh I know! Hey look over there. Somebody's hitting on your girl!"

John looked over and saw a dude with Ashley.