Chapter 21

Jasmine stood by the doorway to the bedroom with her arms crossed against her chest and a frown on her face. She watched Richie staring into the wardrobe with his hands on his hips and a smile the size of the grand canyon on his face. To Jasmine it looked like he was thinking hard about something, especially when he began to chew on his bottom lip and his eyebrows lowered.

Richie jumped at Jasmine’s faint touch on the middle of his back. He hadn’t been aware of her presence, which was strange because lately he had been very acutely aware whenever she was close.

“Hey, you looked like you were away with the fairies. Is everything alright?” Jasmine asked, rubbing her hand softly on his back.

“Everything’s great. I was just thinking how normal it seems to have your clothes in with mine, like that’s the way it’s always been ya know?” he said, moving Jasmine so that she could see what he saw. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her chest then bent down to rest his chin on her shoulders. He nibbled gently on her earlobe and breathed down her neck, inducing a shiver from her.

“You’re so sneaky Sambora. You know I can’t concentrate when you do that.” Jasmine protested but didn’t move away from him. Richie just chuckled in response and nibbled a little harder.

“I don’t suppose you’ve changed your mind about moving in here permanently have you?” Richie asked, his warm breath on her neck making her tingle.

“No. I’m sorry. I know you really want it to happen now but like I said before, we need to find out whether we are where we are because of the situation we were put in, or whether it’s because we want to be here.”

Richie nodded, he wasn’t going to push her into changing her mind. He wanted her to agree because she wanted to, not because she wanted to please him. In any case he was certain that they would live together eventually so if she needed a little time to make sure she was sure, then he could live with it.

Richie dragged a reluctant Jasmine into New York City the next day to shop for the wrap party. She had complained about Richie paying until he could take no more and made good on his threat to call Jon. In a way he wished he hadn’t called Jon once he heard the mouthful he gave Jasmine. There was no way now that Jasmine could be under the impression that Richie was paying for the dress after what Jon had said to her. Jon could be very convincing when he wanted to be.

When their feet began to hurt and Richie’s stomach complained that it was being ignored, they stopped for sustenance then continued the search for the perfect dress for Jasmine. They had no luck on 5^th or Madison so Richie suggested heading for somewhere a little less pretentious and a little more ‘Jasmine’. He got his driver to take them to SoHo; he had a shop in mind that he was sure would have at least one thing that Jasmine would like. They were dropped off outside Dean & Deluca and after a heavenly coffee Richie took hold of Jasmine’s hand and led her the few blocks to the next shop.

Jasmine hadn’t been happy with anything she had tried on earlier, there was something stuffy and too formal for her liking. She loved getting dressed up but needed comfort as well as style. The dresses she had tried on in the other shops had left her feeling on edge and scared to move. That may be okay for the type of woman who wouldn’t hit the dance floor but instead would work the room; however Jasmine was not that woman. If there was a dance floor then she would be on it and considering the music that would be being played on this particular dance floor, she needed room to move.

The door bell clanged as Richie held it open for Jasmine then followed her inside. She instinctively went to her right and began looking through the rails. She was glad to see that the clothes were arranged in colors, it annoyed her that she had to traipse around so many shops looking for the right garment in the right color and had always attested that it would be so much easier to shop if things were arranged in colors rather than in the seemingly random ways that they tended to be.

Richie headed over to the men’s section while Jasmine perused the dresses before her. Richie already had his pants but had decided during the drive into the city that he wanted a new shirt to wear. His options were usually limited thanks to his colorblindness but he thought he would take advantage of having Jasmine with him today and get himself something that wasn’t purple or black.

Jasmine first looked through the yellow dresses and found a few that she liked the look of but when she tried them on she realized that the color made her look more washed out than she was already. Although the color wasn’t right, she had found the style of dress she wanted and hoped that the shop had it in other colors and in her size. She breathed a sigh of relief when she found the dress in red, lavender, sage and royal blue.

Richie looked over for her and smiled when he saw her hands full of clothes and a pair of silver strappy shoes hanging from one of her fingers. Then she disappeared into the changing rooms.

Jasmine was becoming ever more frustrated because she couldn’t decide between the royal blue and the red. She really liked the other two colors as well but had decided on making a statement and going for a bold color now that the bruises had gone and she didn’t mind drawing attention to herself.

“Richie?” she said, reentering the main shop, peering over the racks trying to locate the tall, dark and handsome man that she still couldn’t believe was hers.

“Yeah darlin’?”

“I need some help.”

“What can I help you with?” he said looking her up and down and liking what he saw.

“I can’t decide between this one and the red one, which do you think?” she said, holding up the red dress in front of her.

“Uh, Jas?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m colorblind. I can’t see the one you’re holding up. Well, what I mean is I can’t see the color anyways.” He laughed,

Jasmine didn’t laugh. “You’re kidding?”

“Nope. I can’t see green or red. So, my choice is the blue. It makes your eyes look like sapphires and your hair looks even more shiny and blonde, if that is even possible.”

“I can’t believe I didn’t know you were colorblind! You do well to hide it. So, the blue it is then?”

“Yeah the blue one. Now can you come help me pick out a new shirt? I don’t want purple or black this time.”

Jasmine’s laugh followed her into the changing room and Richie fought the urge to follow her himself. 

Soon enough Jasmine was at his side with her choice of dress and shoes hanging from her arms. They looked through the shirts together, Richie keeping his hand on Jasmine’s back and stealing glances at her when he thought she wasn’t looking.

“Rich, do you trust me?” Jasmine suddenly said, turning to look at him,

“Of course. Why do you ask?”

Jasmine held up a deep red shirt with triangular black buttons. Richie squinted at it then looked questioningly at Jasmine,

“What color is it?”

“A deep scarlet red. It’s a beautiful color.”

Richie took the shirt and slipped it on over his t-shirt and buttoned it up half way. “Well?”

“It really suits you. Your eyes look like they have dark chocolate swirling in them. In fact you’re pretty damn hot.”

“That settles it then. I’ll take it!” he said, dipping down and planting a kiss on Jasmine’s lips. She kissed him back, standing on tip toes to reach him. Her eyes automatically closed and she took a deep breath.

Chapter 20

Richie drove Jasmine over to her apartment the next evening after they had finished work. The record was ready and they were confident that there was only another few days of hard graft before they could relax and take a break. Jasmine was hoping that in the break she would have the chance to move into her new place and get settled before she would be expected to go and work with another artist. She was not looking forward to that prospect but she always knew that the Bon Jovi work was not a long term thing.

She took a deep breath and focused on the current job in hand, to go and pack some more things for her stay with Richie.

They pulled up outside her building; Richie squeezed her hand and kissed her forehead. He got out and rounded the car, opening her door and helping her out. He quickly took hold of her hand, gave her a reassuring smile and walked slowly to the front door. Jasmine hesitated before she put the key in the lock. She breathed deeply and entered the hallway and headed for her apartment. Richie’s hand rested on her back reassuringly.

“You can do it. There’s nothing to be afraid of. All we’re going to do is head down the hallway to your bedroom, grab some clothes and shit then we’re out of here. You don’t have to go anywhere near the living room.”

Jasmine nodded. “Stay with me. Don’t let go.”

“Never.” Richie replied calmly. He could feel her whole body shake with fear and her breathing was heavy. She put the key in the lock and turned it; looking at Richie for confirmation, she pushed the door open and stood still, staring into her once comfortable apartment.

Richie knew that Jasmine was on the verge of bolting or vomiting, but knew this was something she needed to do. He stood in front of her, still holding her hand and began to walk backwards. With him standing so tall in front of her, Jasmine could not see the living room in front of her. She followed Richie further into the hallway and towards her bedroom. She indicated that they were there and he pulled her into her room, shutting the door behind them.

“Right, that was easy enough huh? Now get what you need and we’ll be out of here. Anything you need from anywhere else, just tell me and I’ll get them.”

Jasmine was only able to nod, the power of speech had practically deserted her since she entered the apartment.

She busied herself gathering clothes, makeup and some of the things she needed for work. Richie sat on her bed and watched her methodically move around the room, folding things and packing them away. 

When she reached for something on her bedside table Richie groaned.

“Are they what I think they are?”

“Depends on what you think they are,” Jasmine grinned, holding a blister pack of pills.

“Birth control?”

“Bingo! You’re not as dumb as you look are you?” she joked, feeling a little more secure in the space. Having Richie near having a lot to do with the change in her mood.

“Why didn’t you tell me I’d forgotten them?”

“Well, at the time I was more concerned about getting out of here, and I wasn’t expecting to find out that you felt the same about me as I did about you. Then, well we were doing ok without, so I figured I’d just tell you when I came to get them. So, uh…well I’ve got birth control.” She said, wiggling her eyebrows.

“Now that is handy to know.” Richie said, conspiratorially.

A few minutes later and Jasmine had gathered everything she needed and was heading for the bedroom door. Richie had been unusually quiet while she packed and was looking wistful out of her window.

“A penny for them?”

“Huh?”

“What are you thinking about? You’ve been unusually quiet.”

“Just thinking. You know, it seems silly that you’re taking only a few things back to mine. Why don’t you just move in with me and bring everything with you?”

“What? Are you serious?”

“Deadly darlin’. Think about it. You and I aren’t going to stop seeing each other once you get your own place. Eventually we’ll move in together anyway, so why not just do it now? It seems silly for you to move once then move again so quickly.”

Jasmine was stunned. She certainly was not expecting Richie to suggest this, and it threw her.

“Rich…I…uh…” she stammered

“Don’t you want to?” Richie said, sounding dejected,

Jasmine took a deep breath, “It’s not that I don’t want to. Nothing would make me happier than to live with you permanently, but I just think it’s too soon.”

“Too soon? You’ve been with me for nearly a month already. What’s the difference?”

“I don’t know if I can explain it properly without upsetting you. Please know I don’t want to upset you, and I’m not against the idea in the future.”

“Ok, well try to explain and I’ll keep in mind you do want to live with me.”

Jasmine sat down on the bed next to him, rubbing her hand over his thigh.

“Living with you has been great, I love knowing that you’re there when I go to sleep and wake up, and I love spending time with you. It’s just that we were pushed into that situation and you’ve been looking after me. Don’t you think that we owe it to ourselves to find out if we’re this close just because of the situation? Don’t you think we should find out what it’s like having time apart? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think that I’ll like it very much but we should at least give it a go before we make such a commitment.”

Richie nodded, he knew what she was getting at but he wasn’t worried in the slightest about his feelings not being real. He had known he was in love with her before her father made his appearance but if she wanted to take it slowly then that was her right. 

“I understand that but it does bring up one question. Do you think that you might not feel the same for me as I do for you?”

“NO! Not at all. Rich, I…I…” she stammered again, the ‘L’ word on the tip of her tongue,

“I just think we need to be 100% sure, and anyway what are we going to tell Jon and Island if I stay with you much longer? We’ve got to be careful not to out ourselves until the band is done with me.”

Richie sighed, knowing she was right and had won that particular argument.

“You’re right. I know you are. I just want to have you with me 24/7. We need to put a bomb up everyone and get them finished with the record.”

“It’ll be done soon. Which reminds me, I need to pack something for the wrap party. Give me a few minutes.” She said, getting up off the bed and back to the wardrobe.

Richie got up and followed her, “Don’t worry about that. We’re going shopping for that party. I’m treating you, and if you argue then I’m telling Jon to tell you it’s a thank you from us all.”

Jasmine shook her head at his insolence then took his hand, put him in front of her and opened the bedroom door.

“Let’s get out of here. I have everything I need and this place creeps me out now.”

“Your wish is my command darlin’. Let’s go.” And he led her out, locking up behind them.

Chapter 19

Richie tried to subdue his grin when he walked back into the main studio, where everyone was busy doing their thing. He avoided looking at Jasmine, who herself was trying hard not to blush and let their secret out.

Both Jasmine and Richie were so caught up with trying to act normal that they didn’t see the knowing glances that were exchanged between the others in the room. Jon smirked at David, who was fanning himself, and Tico, who, uncharacteristically, was making crude moves behind Richie’s back. 

At the end of the day Jasmine said a quick goodbye to Richie and headed into the house where Jon was waiting with a box of photos, a camera and lots of paper in front of him.

Jasmine spent another 3 hours with Jon discussing photos, themes for the album and approaches to getting it done. She saw what he was looking for, but was reluctant to take pictures of them. Jon reassured her, seeming to have some unswerving faith in her and her ideas.

Dorothea offered to take Jasmine back to Richie’s place, taking the opportunity to get her to herself and try and find out anymore information about the budding relationship.

“So how’s it going working for Mr. Perfectionist? Has he let the stink eye out yet?”

Jasmine chuckled, “It’s going really well actually. I love working with all of the guys. They’re so knowledgeable and ready to listen to what I have to say, not like previous clients I’ve had. It’s nice to work with experienced artists like Richie and Jon and the others. Oh, and yeah, the stink eye was apparent this morning, quite something to see up close!”

Dorothea echoed Jasmine’s chuckle, “I knew it wouldn’t be long before it reappeared. He’s been on his best behavior for a month now!”

“He’s not so bad, I’ve worked with worse. In fact Jon’s been great ever since…” she trailed off. Dorothea just nodded in understanding.

“He’s not been working me too hard and checks on me several times a day; he’s almost gone into some kind of daddy bear mode. I find it really sweet but if you could convince him he doesn’t need to worry about me, that would be great.”

“I can’t convince him of anything. I’d like to help but if he wants to protect you then I’m sorry but he’s gonna. How’s it with Richie? Is he doing the same?”

“He was but he’s chilled out a little now. He doesn’t like to leave me on my own for long, and I’m sure I saw him frown when Jon asked me to stay on tonight. But he let it go so I’m sure he’s getting over his protectiveness.”

“He’s a loving man Jasmine, you seem to have gotten close to him, which means that he’ll move heaven and earth for you. He’d do it for any one of us but with you it seems he’d go that bit further.”

Jasmine could sense that Dorothea was on a fishing trip, whether on Jon’s orders or not. She knew that she couldn’t tell her the full story but she could give her a little of what she wanted.

“He’s easier to control at work, but when we’re at home, he hardly leaves me alone. I’d like to cook dinner once in a while to say thank you to him but I’m not allowed to lift a finger. It’s nice being pampered but I’m starting to feel like I’m taking advantage of his good nature.”

Dorothea's internal radar was bleeping incessantly. She was sure Richie had it bad for Jasmine, but she had no idea what Jasmine felt. Annoyingly, she wasn't letting a hint of anything other than friendship slip out.

They were soon crawling up the winding drive at Richie's house, and parking outside of the veranda.

“See you tomorrow Jas, pop in for a coffee at some point and we’ll try to come up with a way for you to say thank you to Rich.”

“Thanks Dot, see you tomorrow. Thank you for the ride home.”

Dorothea drove off, smiling to herself that Jasmine was calling Richie’s house her home. It may have been nothing, but coupled with the other information that Jon had given her, she was sure that there was more going on Chez Sambora, than the occupants would have anyone know.

Jasmine opened the front door and was confronted by the most delicious smells emanating from the kitchen and filling the hallway. She kicked off her shoes and padded towards the heavenly smell, her senses in overdrive at the possibility of what lay behind the kitchen door.

“Hello gorgeous, I’m back. What’s cooking?”

Richie whirled round and took Jasmine in his arms. He kissed her then put her back on her feet, leading her to the oven.

He opened the door and the steam wafted out seconds before the magnificent aroma of garlic and herb chicken, Mediterranean vegetables and rosemary potatoes. 

“Wow! You’ve been busy. What can I do to help?”

“Nothing. Everything is under control, and there’s a lemon pie for dessert. Not one of my creations, but one of Mom’s. She says hi by the way.”

“Did you go see her after Jon’s?”

“No, she popped in on the off chance. I’m sure it was more that she wanted to see if I was looking after you properly.”

“You’re certainly doing that. In fact I don’t think I need to be looked after quite so well any more. I’m feeling much better.”

“I know you are, but I like doing it. It’s kinda turned into a habit that I don’t want to kick.”

“You’re wonderful, you know that?”

Richie nodded, “Yeah, I have been told once or twice. You care to show me just how wonderful I am?”

“Hold your horses cowboy, I need to clean up after our foray into the closet. If you don’t give me food poisoning I promise I’ll show you how wonderful you are.”

Jasmine followed through with her promise several times after dinner, and fell asleep sated in her stomach and in other more sensitive areas of her body.

She woke up the next morning slightly stiff from the exertions of the night before and the healing of her damaged muscles. The nightmares had ceased and she was beginning to feel like her old self. Richie jumped into the shower after her and had just dried himself off when he reentered the bedroom.

He watched Jasmine stare into the wardrobe and sigh repeatedly.

“What’s wrong darlin’? You look like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.”

“I haven’t got many clothes here with me. I only have what you packed when you found me.”

“I’m sorry. I should have brought more.” Richie said, nuzzling her neck.

“Don’t you dare apologize. You did more than I could ever have possibly imagined that day, and ever since. I’m just saying that if you insist on me staying here longer than another few days, then I’m going to need some more clothes and pick up some other things.”

“Then we need to go get you some clothes. You’re not leaving here until the doc gives you the all clear and your appointment isn’t for a week yet.”

Jasmine huffed, “I figured you’d say that. Will you come with me? I don’t think I could go back by myself.”

“I wouldn’t have left you to go back by yourself Jas, I would have thought you would have known that. You don’t have to do any of it by yourself.”

She hugged him tightly as if her life depended on being close to him. She hadn’t really thought about it before but there was no way she would have been able to go back to the place by herself. She was still waiting for the paperwork to be finished on the house in Middletown and had hoped that she would only have to go back to her apartment once when she packed it up for good. Unfortunately for her the paperwork was taking ages to complete.

“Hey now, I hope you’re not crying there. There’s nothing to be scared of and you know you can stay here for as long as you want. Don’t worry about anything,”

“Thanks Rich, I...” Jasmine replied and kissed him, then reached into the wardrobe for her purple top and a pair of black pants.

Damn! I nearly told him I love him. Do I? Was it just the thought of going back to my apartment? Jasmine’s head felt like it was going to explode with all the emotions flying through it. Deep down she knew that she loved Richie, it was plainly obvious to her really, but she wasn’t ready to put her relationship with him at risk by saying those three words. Things were perfect as they were and she didn’t want to lose that. When the time was right, she would know.

Chapter 18

Richie and Jasmine spent a quiet weekend together, only venturing out on Saturday morning to stock the cupboards.

Monday morning came around far too quickly but Richie reminded Jasmine, when she was complaining about keeping her hands off him, they were coming to the end of the process and had the wrap party to look forward to.

On reaching the door to the studio Jon’s angry voice could be heard from outside. Richie and Jasmine looked warily at each other before opening the door and gingerly walking into the waiting tornado. Tico and Hugh were standing with their arms across their chests, staring at the floor in an attempt not to meet Jon’s gaze, even though Jon’s anger was aimed at some unknown person on the other end of the phone that was glued to his ear.

“Who pissed in his cornflakes?” Richie whispered to Hugh,

“Someone at Island I think. The conversation started well but his voice just got louder and louder, and he started doing that thing with his hair too. We tried to leave but he keeps blocking the door.”

Jasmine stifled a laugh but whispered in response, “Are you really that scared of him? Honestly…” she sighed,

Tico replied, “When you’ve been with his royal pain in the butt as we have, you know when to get scared. Actually this isn’t too bad today, but if you stick with us long enough, you’ll see the volcano erupt!”

Jon glared in Tico’s direction, evidently having heard his response to Jasmine, Tico flipped him off and winked at Jasmine. 

Jon continued to talk to the person on the other end of the phone so everyone else got to work with the final arrangements and parts that needed recording. Jasmine began recording with Tico, talking him through what she wanted from him and asking him to hit one drum, then another. They were in their own zone, talking about the recording but also about themselves and their weekend. 

Richie had migrated to where his guitars were stashed to the side of the room, in front of the black and white decorated wall. He took off his sweater and flung it on the nearest chair. Picking up his Martin, his bared arms pulsed from the movement, his tattoos looking larger and brighter than when his arms were at rest. He sat himself down on a bench and began strumming nothing in particular. 

The beginning of If God Was A Woman could be heard coming from the strings but stopped abruptly;

“Man, I can’t remember my own fucking song. I’m fucking nuts!”

Jasmine had to laugh, she’d been watching Richie since he had lost his sweater, his bare arms and scruff distracting her from paying attention to Tico’s recording.

“Yeah you are!” she yelled over, winking at him.

Richie grinned and narrowed his eyes at her. Jasmine held onto her chair as the look he gave her touched her in all the right places and made her shudder. She watched him pick up the guitar for the second time and settle it on his lap. He closed his eyes and began If God Was A Woman again. 

Jasmine’s stomach did flip flops to the deep, soulful sound of Richie’s voice filling the room. The acoustic guitar sounded almost perfect and his fingers seemed as if they were made to accompany the beautiful instrument on his lap. Richie scrunched up his face as he came to the chorus; he caught Jasmine watching him in the corner of his eye and smiled even though his face was scrunched up.

Jasmine saw the smile mixed with the intense concentration and felt the heat build within her. The look was more than enough to make her have bad thoughts about what she wanted to do with Richie and she held onto the chair more tightly than before in an effort not to rush across the room and tackle him to the floor.

Richie finished playing when Jon bellowed for him from the small office area at the back of the studio. He chose to take the long way over to Jon, passing by Jasmine in the sound booth. As he passed he noticed how flushed she appeared and the glassy look in her eyes; his heart fluttered and a grin spread across his face as he realized that it was his playing that had made her that way. 

Later on that day, everyone congregated in the main room at the studio, settling themselves on the sofas and chairs that surrounded a large table. Jon’s mood had improved immensely from earlier in the day and he smiled a genuine smile as he spread the proposed art work for the album over the table. Everyone had a good look, pointing at pictures, making suggestions and discussing whether they thought it was appropriate for the songs. 

Jasmine stared at the pictures and then back at the men surrounding her. She saw the camaraderie and genuine love for each other that she knew they had for each other but was now only really beginning to appreciate. The artwork pictures, although beautiful and well shot, just couldn’t convey the meaning of the band or the feelings between the guys in front of her. She sighed as she looked over the rest of the pictures.

Jon heard her sigh, “What is it?” he asked, touching her arm so that she would look at him.

“It’s none of my business Jon. I’m only here to help with the music; the artwork side of things has nothing to do with me.” She explained,

“That’s crap Jasmine. Yeah, you are here to help us musically but I haven’t forgotten that you’re a fan as well. You’re more than well placed to give your opinion on this stuff too.”

“Yeah, Jas, what do you think? Don’t we scrub up good?” David said, posing in front of her.

“You certainly do David, the photos are amazing, they make even you look pretty.”

“HEY!” He protested but creased with laughter instantaneously.

Jon reached for Jasmine’s arm again, “So what was that sigh for? What is it you don’t like?”

“Jon, I really don’t think it’s my place to say it.”

“Honestly, Jasmine if you don’t spill it, I’ll lose my temper, and you don’t want to see that,” he threatened and let a little of the Stink Eye out for her to see.

“Alright. Well, it’s just that even though these pictures are great, and I really mean it, they just don’t show the real relationships that are between you. I’ve been lucky to see it first hand and it is something truly admirable. The fans know you’re close but I just think you could show it to them with better pictures.” Jasmine rattled off her thoughts so quickly that Richie didn’t catch some of what she said. She avoided eye contact from everyone as they processed what she had said.

David was the first to speak up, “You could be right Jazzy, I guess we never really thought about it before. Do you have any ideas on how we could better show how close we are? I mean, it’s not a bad idea for the theme of the pictures considering the subject matter on most of these songs.”

“I haven’t thought about it that hard. It was just something that struck me when I looked at the photos just now.”

Jon listened to the exchange but his head was in another place, ideas running though his head of how they could get Jasmine’s desired theme into pictures. 

“You may have something here Jasmine, you’re right about trying to convey how much we mean to each other but I’m just not sure how we’ll be able to do it.”

“How about candid photos from the recording sessions and other stuff we do together?” Richie suggested,

“Go on,”

“How about we look through old tour photos, take more from what we do from now on and see if we have enough to make the artwork? Does that make sense?”

“Yeah, for you, it does. I like it. I can see it, black and white photos from way back, pictures from here whilst we’re working on the album and other randoms. How about baby pictures too? Go for the theme of the journey that brought us all to this point in time?” Jon thought out loud.

Jasmine nodded, Jon was on the same wavelength as her and he could see what she was trying to get at. He saw her face brighten as he spoke and knew he was on the right track when he saw her nod her head.

“When we’re done here do you have time to talk with me more about this?” Jon asked her.

She looked at Richie, who, from the look on his face, was ready to thump Jon for even suggesting it, and nodded, 

“Sure, but I’m not sure that I’ll be much use to you.”

“I’ll be the judge of that darlin’. I’ll drop you back to Richie’s place when we’re done, unless fuckhead over there wants to stay and help.” He directed the last comment towards his friend across the table.

Richie’s mind whirred at the possibilities. On one hand the thought of being apart from Jasmine for more than a few minutes made him feel nauseous but on the other hand, if he were to go home alone, he would have time to make a nice dinner and surprise her when she got home.

“As long as Jas is ok with it, I’ll go home. I’ve got some errands to run anyway.” He decided.

Jasmine agreed then they all got back to work. Jasmine reached into her bag and got her camera out, taking sneaky pictures when the guys weren’t looking. These would show Jon what she meant.

Late into the afternoon Jasmine had just answered the call of nature, when she felt something take hold of her arm and roughly pull her into the closet that held the replacement drum skins and guitar strings among the other equipment in there. 

“What the fuck?” she hissed, knowing that it could only be one of the guys from the band or Obie.

“Fuck’s right darlin’, come here,” she heard as she was pulled closer until her already pounding chest brushed up against something warm and hard.

“Rich, what are you doing?”

“You,” he said, dropping a hot and passionate kiss on her lips, searching out her tongue with his own. She involuntarily opened her mouth and allowed him access to her tongue. The kiss deepened and Richie’s hands roamed Jasmine’s back, reaching underneath her shirt and seeking out the aroused tips of her nipples. She bit back a groan when Richie gently squeezed her nipples and massaged her breasts.

Jasmine couldn’t help but respond to Richie’s hitched breathing and her own hands wandered downwards towards his pleasure path. She deftly undid the fly on his jeans and slid the material down until she could grasp hold of his arousal.

“I’ve been dying to do this since this morning,” she breathed.

“Oh really, and what had you all horny?” Richie teased, remembering the flushed look on her face,

“You’re voice is enough to ignite me, but when you scrunch your face up too, I’m toast,” she could hardly speak thanks to Richie’s mouth having attached itself to her breasts, sucking and pulling her sensitive skin.

Richie didn’t reply, he just sped up his movements and ran his hand under her skirt,

“Woman, am I glad you wore a skirt today!” he mumbled, reaching up her thigh and rubbing her through the thin material covering her obvious wetness between them.

“We’re going to get caught if we don’t stop now.”

“Not if we’re quiet. Can you be quiet when I make you cum?”

Jasmine nodded uncertainly, she would try her best to keep quiet but from previous experience she knew that once Richie had his groove on she had no control over her reactions.

She stifled a squeal when his fingers pushed their way into her and began to stroke in and out, and when his thumb joined in on the action, rubbing her clit, she just grabbed his cock and pumped him harder in an effort to occupy herself and not scream out.

Richie pulled back and lifted her up onto the cupboard that she had been leaning against. He pulled her towards the edge of the piece of furniture, spread her legs and handed her the silver foil wrapper.

Jasmine quickly separated the rubber from the wrapper and sheathed him; once they were protected Richie yanked the material of her panties aside and seated himself within her. He pulled out slowly then slid back in just as slowly. It took all of his will power not to cum then and there, the scent of lust was in the air and the labored breathing coming from Jasmine was becoming too much for him to handle.

Jasmine held firmly onto Richie’s shoulders, drawing him closer and deeper into her. 

“You’re killing me.” She gasped as he slid in again,

“Same here baby, what do you need?”

“Faster,” she said, reaching for his hips, hauling him into her and hooking her legs around him so she was open for his full length. Richie shuffled and steadied himself, then let himself off the leash. His hips bucked as he pounded into her at her request. The friction between his pelvic bone and her clit was building Jasmine to her ecstasy, she could feel the tingling start and get stronger.

Richie felt Jasmine’s grip on his hips tighten and knew she was close. He sped up and reached deeper into her, watching her facial expressions as he did so. He knew the moment her pleasure swept through her and watching her reaction pulled everything from him. They came together, Richie having to put his hand over her mouth as a squeal of pleasure threatened to let everyone know what they were doing.

They got their breath back as they adjusted their clothing and Richie disposed of the condom, both grinning from ear to ear like they had gotten away with doing something forbidden, which, in some ways, their relationship was.

“You go first. I’ll hang here a few minutes.” Richie told Jasmine, kissing her sweetly on the forehead and hooking her hair behind her ear.

“See you later, oh and make sure you shut the window,” she replied, nodding down towards his fly. 

Richie grinned and did his button and zipper up. Jasmine opened the door carefully and looked around before being satisfied that no one was around and headed back to the sound booth.