63 - When the Wind Changes

Jon grabbed the fluffy white towel and wiped his face. His eyes searched for her but she wasn’t there. He had seen her go sit on the side, even saw a glimpse of her talking to the chick Richie was with, but where could she be now? Finding her would just have to wait. For now he had to schmooze with some BBC Radio executives and their families. Posing for photos and listening to them tell him what big fans they were. Jon hated stuff like this after a show, heck he hated it before, but it was part of his job, so he shook a few hands, kissed a few wives or girlfriends and smiled that smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes but still looked genuine.  

 

Standing in the shadows he saw the kid, Paul or Rob he couldn’t remember at this point, the one who had met them at the door, the one he asked to keep an eye on Ariana during the show in case she needed anything. Maybe he would know where she was. Jon nodded him over just before taking another photo, and before Jon could ask, he leaned close so no one could hear.

 

“Excuse me, Sir. Ms. Moretti wanted to me to tell you she’s waiting in your dressing room.”

 

“Thank you.” Jon said, still wanting to ask him some more questions, but they needed him for one last photo. Thanking everyone once again, Jon said his goodbyes.  

 

He was sure not to slow his pace as he made his way down the hall, only nodding and waving to the few he’d seen. What he needed now was some warm tea, a shower and his bed, so that he could curl up with Ari.  

 

“Hey, what hap....” Jon pushed open the door. There she was sleeping, head thrown back against the couch, feet up on the table and her hands folded, resting on her abdomen.

 

Her hair clip was askew from the way her head was resting against the couch, long chocolate tendrils curled around her face. She looked more peaceful than he had seen her in weeks, and he hated to wake her. What’s a few more minutes? He loved to watch her sleep. Quietly, he eased down next to her. She made the cutest face when she slept, the way she crinkled her nose, and how her lips would pucker up when disturbed. His eyes were drawn down to her chest. Slowly rising and falling with each of her breaths, she let out a small snore each time she inhaled.

 

Craning his neck, Jon sat up a little straighter, where he quickly became distracted by the heavy fabric that clung to her perfectly plump breasts.

 

I can’t wait until she wears that sweater in a few months...

 

He flopped back against the couch with a sigh and blew a breath out over his face, his sweaty bangs falling right back into his eyes. His sudden movement startled her awake.

 

“Hey.” Ari pushed herself up, bringing her feet to the floor. “How long have I been sleeping?”

 

“Not sure. When did you stop watching?”  

 

“Richie’s talk box on It’s My Life.” Ari looked back over her shoulder, rolling her eyes “I couldn’t deal listening to Frankie talk about it being her song.”

 

“So then, not very long. You, okay?” His fingers softly caressed the small of her back.

 

“Yeah. Just a bunch of emotions tonight.”

 

“Is that good or bad?”

 

“Weird actually.” She twisted her hair up in the clip.

 

“Ah yes. You better get used to them”

 

“Don’t say that? I can’t do this for nine months. Cry every time the wind changes.”

 

“There will be more than just crying. Promise me you won't take my head off?” Jon playfully bumped into her as he sat up.

 

“Don’t do anything to make me want to.” She turned her head and smiled at him.

 

“Now ya know I can’t promise you that, but I can promise to be right here,” his heavy palm patted the top of her hand “every step of the way.” Lifting their hands, he placed a small kiss on the inside of her wrist. “Whaddya say we blow this popsicle stand.”

 

“No shower, no dinner?”

 

“Nah. We can do all that at the hotel.  Besides, I just want to curl up in bed it’s been a long day.”

 

“Sounds like a plan to me. Let’s go then.” She stood with a yawn and a stretch and headed towards the door.

 

When they arrived back at the hotel, they did exactly what they said they would do. They had a little bite to eat, then climbed into bed. It sometimes took a while for Jon to come down after a show, so they dimmed the lights and climbed under the covers. With Ari snuggled close to his chest, one leg draped over his, they soon succumbed to a peaceful slumber.

♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱

 

Jon squinted one eye toward the early morning light that was piercing its way through the windows, his mind slowly processing his surroundings. The soft skin that touched his own sent a pleasurable warmth through his body as his eyes focused on the sleeping form next to him.

 

Propping up on his elbow, he inched as close as he could without waking her. She was lying partially on her back, one hand stretched over her head and resting lightly on her forehead. Her faded Jukes shirt had ridden up, exposing her hippie peace sign boy shorts and stomach, the bottom of her breasts peeking through.

 

Jon’s hand slid along her stomach, slowly moving upwards to her breast, his finger teasing slow and steady circles around her areola. Paying equal attention to its twin, he repeated the motions, earning an elongated moan from her lips.

 

“Sleeping beauty, wake up,” He whispered.

 

Ari whimpered but smiled, her eyes still closed.

 

“Open your eyes baby.”  

 

Jon’s warm breath caressed her lips before he kissed them. Another smile spread across her lips as she squinted and opened them as her hand reached out to cup his face.

 

“Hmm. Mornin.”

 

“Mornin.”  

 

For a moment they just stared into each other’s eyes, green meeting blue, before their lips connected for another kiss, her warm body molding into his, her soft tongue enveloping his. They kissed tenderly, nothing more. His hand slid up under her shirt and just as he moved to cover her body with his, she suddenly pushed him away, kicking the covers and nearly knocking him off the bed as she made a mad dash for the bathroom.  

 

The sudden urge to throw up overwhelmed her, and she had to cover her mouth with her hand to prevent herself from retching all over the carpet. Emptying the contents of last night’s dinner, she closed the lid and rested her head on it. She heard Jon’s footsteps and lifted her head as he stood at the door.

 

“Are you okay?” He asked, kneeling beside her.

 

“Morning sickness,”    

 

Ari took a few breaths, then felt another wave coming up. She hurriedly lifted the lid and threw up again. Jon stood and grabbed the neatly placed washcloth from the vanity. Wetting it under the sink, he sat back down, laying Ari’s head in his lap and placed the cloth on her forehead.

 

“Sorry.”

 

“For what?” He stroked her hair.

 

“Interrupting your plans to seduce me.”

 

“You’ll just have to make it up to me.” Jon chuckled.

 

Ari made a face and sat up quickly, bending over the toilet once again while Jon rubbed her back soothingly and held back her hair as she threw up. When it seemed she finished, he pulled her against his chest.

 

“I really hate this.” She closed her eyes and moaned.

 

“Come on, let’s get you back to bed.”  

 

Jon helped her up and to the sink so she could brush her teeth and wash her face, and then they made their way back to bed.

 

Once she made her way back to the bedroom, he waited until she was nestled against the pillows. Dropping a kiss on her head, he grabbed the comforter and draped it over her. Reaching for his gym bag, he walked towards the door. He turned to look at her.

 

“Rest. I’m going to make a few calls, then go for a run. I’ll have them send up something light before I go in case you need anything.”

 

“God no! Please no food.” She protested.

 

“You will need to eat, eventually.”  

 

“Jon.” She called. “I really am sorry.”

 

“You’ll pay, trust me.” He said while barely concealing his smirk. “Get some rest I’ll be back soon.”