One Breath Away
Author's Note: Suspend disbelief to fully enjoy. POETIC LICENSE, as always.
Carterfinley has 22 brownie points for three chapters, emmy272005 has 6 for four chapters, My Darker Side is back with a vengeance and has 45 points for all five chapters!!
- - - - -
Chapter Six
Ian gently nudged Daley. "Hey, baby, it's time to get up, " he said softly. Daley groaned and pulled the covers over her head. Ian heard her say something but he couldn't make out what it was. He lifted the edge of the comforter and said, "What was that?"
Daley groaned again. "I said, do I have to?"
"You do if you don't want to lose your job."
"Ugh!" she exhaled. Daley stretched and slowly sat up. She rubbed her eyes then started pushing the covers off.
"Not so fast!" Ian said, pulling her to him.
Daley clapped her hand over her mouth and mumbled, "Morning breath, Ian!"
He aimed his kiss at her cheek instead and wrapped his arms around her.
"I can't be late again, I have to go," she protested.
"Then you shouldn't sleep naked," he said as he rolled over on top of her. "Don't worry, I woke you early so we'd have time," he murmured as his hands and mouth moved down her body.
"I hate you," she said as she pretended to push him off. A soft moan of pleasure escaped her throat contradicting her statement. She lay back on the pillows, arms stretched out on either side and closed her eyes.
Ian grinned as he felt her body relax beneath him. He pulled his mouth away from her long enough to say, "Just lay back and enjoy yourself, I'll do all the work." Daley smiled lazily then gasped as his mouth moved lower and found her sweet spot.
Thirty minutes later the alarm went off. They were both sweaty and had just started to doze off. "Damn!" Daley said. "Maybe I'll call in sick and we can just spend the day in bed."
"I'd love that but I have to work all day and you said you're trying to save up your sick time," Ian said drowsily.
"I know. Guess I'll go take a shower," she grumbled.
"Want me to wash your back?"
"If you do I'll never get out of here," she replied. "Go back to sleep and I'll say good-bye before I leave." Daley kissed his chest then rolled away from him and out of their warm bed.
As soon as Ian heard the shower start he climbed out of bed, pulled clean clothes from his closet and left the room. By the time Daley entered the kitchen, Ian was showered, dressed and had breakfast ready.
"Ian! You didn't have to do this!" she exclaimed.
"I can't send my baby off to work on an empty stomach," he said.
She walked over and kissed him. "Thank you. You are the most thoughtful man I know."
Ian wrapped his arms around her and inhaled deeply. "Anything for my girl. Mmm, you smell so good."
"So do you," she said while nuzzling his neck.
Ian pulled away. "I took a shower in one of the guest rooms since you wouldn't let me join you. Let's hurry up and eat, before it gets cold."
They sat down and started eating. "So, who are you recording today?" she asked.
"No one. Jackson's coming over and we're going to be working on some new stuff. The guys are supposed to come over later this afternoon for practice."
"A late one?"
"Maybe."
"Oh." Ian looked up from his breakfast. Daley was frowning slightly and her brain was obviously working overtime. "I'll clean up my stuff before I leave."
"You don't have to do that. I don't care, nor do they. They all like you a lot."
Daley smiled. "I like them, too. I just…I need to spend a night at my place anyway. I can do my laundry and …"
"You can do your laundry here."
"I know, but…"
"Daley, this is silly. Just move in with me. You're here practically every night anyway. And…I'm crazy about you."
Daley reached across the table and caressed his cheek. "I'm crazy about you, too, Ian. But I'm not moving in. It's too soon. It wouldn't be…appropriate."
"For whom?"
"I just…I don't…I…"
Ian grabbed her hand and gave it a little squeeze. "You're still worried about what our friends will think," he stated.
"And your parents."
"They're cool. They like you."
Daley snorted. "Oh, please. They're just glad I'm not one of the Rock of Love rejects."
"If they could see you in bed sometimes they might change their minds about that," Ian said with a smirk. Daley stared at him, eyes wide in shock. He laughed. "I'm kidding!" Daley cocked an eyebrow at him. "Okay, so they're glad I don't bring home trashy, tattooed, foul-mouthed, drunk girls, but they really like you, Day. They don't think I'm good enough for you."
"I like them, too."
"Oh, I get it, you're ashamed of me. That's why you won't introduce me to your parents."
"Ian, you know that's not it! What is there to be ashamed of? You're talented and successful and kind and thoughtful and handsome and…I just don't want them to scare you away."
"Not gonna happen."
"You haven't met my mother. The third degree she puts guys through, they never come back. I don't want to subject you to that." Her forehead wrinkled with worry as she quietly said, "I'm not ready to lose you."
Ian got up and walked behind her, leaned down and wrapped his arms around her. "No chance of that happening. Your mom doesn't scare me."
Daley leaned her head back against his chest and sighed. "I better get my stuff together. Thank you for breakfast, it was delicious." She stood and gave him a peck on the cheek before walking into the bedroom.
Ian followed her as she took her overnight bag and went into the bathroom. Daley started gathering up her makeup and other toiletries and putting them in the bag. "Seriously, Day. You don't have to do this. Just leave your stuff here. The guys don't come in here anyway."
Daley walked out to the bedroom and started picking up her clothes and adding them to the bag. She walked into the enormous closet and pulled her things from the hamper he had bought just for her. "I know I don't, but I feel…it just doesn't seem…"
"Hell, Jackson is the only one who knows you spend the night." Daley shot him a look. "I've never said a word to him, he's pretty smart, you know." Daley nodded but continued to pack her clothes. She reached for some of her hanging clothes when Ian stopped her. "Those are clean, there's no need to take them. Daley, I understand how you feel, I really do. And I think it's cute that you're kind of old-fashioned about this, but it feels like you're dumping me."
Daley turned to him with a confused expression on her face. She saw the hurt in his eyes. She dropped her bag and put her arms around his neck. "No, Ian! I swear! I'm not dumping you! I…really l…I'm not!" She pulled him close. Crap! I almost said the 'L' word. That's one way to end it really fast. His arms wrapped around her waist and he hugged her tight. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to give you that impression," she said into his neck. This is just moving faster than I'm used to."
"Do you want to slow down?" he said into her hair.
Daley pulled back from him and looked him in the eye. "Do you?"
"No! Look, I know this is fast. But it feels right. To me, at least." He looked at her, a question in his eyes.
"It feels right to me, too," she said softly.
"Then move in with me."
"Do we really need to change things?" She saw a wounded look flash in his eyes again. "I mean, things are going so well, why do we have to rush it? Can't we just keep things the way they are? For now?"
Ian took a deep breath and nodded. "You're right. There's no rush. If you're not ready, I won't pressure you."
Daley smiled and kissed him. "Thank you."
"But don't think this means I'm giving up. I'll just bide my time. You aren't getting rid of me so easily, Daley Marin."
"Good, because I'm not ready to be rid of you, Ian Milbauer. Now, I have to get to work." Ian walked her out to her car. They kissed again, fervently pressing against each other.
"Keep that up and I'm going to have to take a cold shower," Ian said, pulling back.
"Good." She playfully rubbed him through his jeans, then with a satisfied smile that she had achieved the desired effect, she climbed into her car.
"Oh, that is so not fair!" Ian groaned.
"Call me later, let me know what's going on. If it's not too late, I'll make you dinner."
"Sounds good," he said, leaning down and kissing her again. Daley gently bit his bottom lip then pushed him away from the window. She backed around then waved as she headed down the driveway.
Ian sighed as he watched her disappear around the curve. He walked back into the house and headed straight for his bathroom. He really did need a cold shower now.
- - - - -
An hour later Jackson was ringing the doorbell.
Ian opened the door. "Hey man, what's up?"
Jackson walked in with his guitar. "Not much, how you doing?" He headed for the living room that was also the rehearsal space.
Ian noticed the dark circles under his eyes. "You look beat, dude. What's up?"
"Nothing. I had a late night Saturday then worked a double yesterday."
"You went to that Inner Circle concert, right?" Jackson nodded. "I heard they finished around midnight."
"They did. And man, I can't thank you enough for the tickets."
"Where did you go after?"
"Nowhere."
"You and Eric closed the place?"
"Well, I did." Jackson couldn't stop smiling, thinking about meeting Melissa.
Ian noted his expression. "And?"
Jackson sighed. "I met someone."
"That explains why you're so tired," Ian said, smirking at him. He'd seen the girls that threw themselves at his best friend. Pretty girls, like Taylor. But he thought Jackson didn't bed girls he just met.
"We didn't do anything, just talked. She's not like anyone I've met before."
"Sure."
"No, I mean it. You know how you feel about Daley? Like, she's different than any girl you've ever met?"
"Yeah."
"She's like that."
"Really? Does this someone have a name?"
"Melissa."
"So what makes this Melissa so special that you can't wipe that dumb grin off your face?"
"She's intelligent…and sweet…and funny…and she knows a lot about music."
"What happens next?"
"We're going out Sunday. But, Ian?" Ian looked at him. Jackson was very serious. "Not a word to the guys. Not yet, anyway."
"Whoa. This girl must be something special."
Jackson shook his head slowly. "I can't explain it. It feels like I've known her for years. We talked for hours and it was so…easy. No drama. No mind games. We just really...connected, ya know?"
Ian smiled. He hadn't seen Jackson act this way about a girl in a long time, if ever. "All right, lover boy, enough. We sound like a couple of teenage girls. Can we get to work now? I have a feeling you're going to need a nap before the guys come over for practice this afternoon."
Jackson smiled and pulled his guitar from its case. He plugged in then turned on his amp. Ian sat at the piano and they started working on a song they'd started the week before, It's All in Your Head.
- - - - -
Around two, after some Chinese takeout for lunch and a little more work, Jackson crashed in a guest room. Ian put his headphones on and continued working out the music for another new song.
Jackson woke up around four, a little confused. He looked around and remembered he was at Ian's. He stripped off his boxers and walked into the bathroom and took a quick shower to wake himself up. This was his room at Ian's. No one else used it. He had stocked the bathroom with his things and kept some clothes in the closet. He often stayed here when they were rehearsing late or had a party. He even stayed here the time his apartment building had been tented for termites. He and Ian were like brothers and he was as comfortable here as he was at his own place.
Jackson pulled his clothes on then picked up his cell and dialed Melissa's number. Her voice mail answered. "Uh, Hi, Melissa. It's me, Jackson. I hope you don't think it's too soon to call, I just…uh…wanted to see what you were up to. I…um…" Oh man, you're so smooth. She's really going to want to go out with you now. "Uh, I…How's your day going? What have you been doing today?" Why am I rambling on like an idiot?
A mechanical voice came on the line and said, "If you are satisfied with your message, press one. If you would like to review your message, press two. If you would like to erase your message and start again, press three."
Oh, thank god! he thought. Jackson pressed three and listened to the voice tell him once again to leave his message after the beep. "Hi, Melissa. It's Jackson. I was just calling to see how you were. I'm going to be busy for the next few hours but you can call and leave a message if you'd like and I can call you back. Or not. Or…" Ugh! I feel like I'm in middle school again. Jackson waited for the voice mail instructions again then he pressed three and hung up. But her caller ID will show that you called, fool. She may think you're not interested if you don't leave a message. Argh! Why is this so difficult?
Jackson took a deep breath and dialed again. This time he simply said, "Hi, Melissa. It's Jackson. I was just calling to say hello and see how your day is going. Talk to you soon. Bye." He closed his phone and went out to the kitchen. He grabbed a beer from the fridge and joined Ian in the rehearsal space.
"Thanks for letting me crash, I really needed the zees."
"No prob, dude. You look a lot better."
"When are the guys getting here?"
Ian checked his watch. "Any time now."
"'Remember, no mention of Melissa."
Ian smiled and winked at him. "My lips are sealed."
Jackson nodded once. "Thanks."
"So, you didn't tell me, how was The Inner Circle?"
"Amazing! They sound just as good live. Maybe even better. And, I got to meet them after."
"No way!"
"I have proof." Jackson pulled his cell out and flipped it open. He pulled up one of the pictures Melissa had taken of him with the band and held it out to Ian.
"Whoa. Did you get to talk to them?"
"A little. They were pretty cool."
"That's incredible."
"Yeah. Once in a lifetime opportunity."
Ian had scrolled through some pictures and stopped. There was a beautiful Asian girl smiling at him from the screen. "Who's this?" he asked, holding the phone toward Jackson.
"That's Melissa," he said, smiling.
"Wow, you didn't tell me she was gorgeous."
Jackson took the phone from him and smiled at the picture for a few seconds before turning it off. "Yeah, but she's so much more."
Just then the door crashed open and Jimmy yelled, "Let's get this party started douche bags!" He, Alec and Mason entered, carrying guitars, takeout and beer. Mason put the beer in the fridge as Alec lined pizza boxes up on the counter.
"Hey, guys."
"Hey."
"I hope you have our new stuff ready," Mason said. "Jimmy bet that you wouldn't."
"What's the bet?" Ian asked.
"If you don't have it ready, I have to run down the drive and back."
"So?"
"Naked."
"The gardeners will love that. And if we are ready?"
"Jimmy has to ask Taylor out."
"That doesn't count, Jimmy wants to ask her out. What about you, Alec?" Jackson asked.
"I'm too smart to make that bet," Alec smiled. Jackson bumped fists with him.
"Sorry, Mason. Looks like you have to keep your clothes on and Jimmy has to ask Taylor out," Ian said. "Of course, we're ready. Now, can we do this?" He passed out the music and everyone took their positions.
- - - - -
Melissa was in the middle of an interview when she heard her personal phone vibrate. He wouldn't be calling so soon. It's probably just Nathan. Her subject was quite talkative so the interview ran longer than she was expecting. When it was finally over she decided she had better write up the article while the interview was still fresh in her mind. She started typing but found herself getting distracted and fumbling on the keyboard.
"This is ridiculous!" she said aloud. Melissa picked up her personal cell and pulled up her messages. She was pleasantly surprised and smiled as she heard Jackson's voice coming though the ear piece. Melissa dialed his number but was disappointed to get his voice mail. She left a brief message and hung up. Hopefully, he'll call back before I have to leave.
- - - - -
Three hours later Ian checked his watch. "Okay, guys. I think that's enough for tonight."
"We are sounding so tight!" Mason said. "Why stop now?"
"Because I have somewhere I need to be," Ian said.
"Remind me when our next gig is again," Jimmy said.
"Thursday at Freestyle. We go on at ten."
"What about our next practice?"
"When are you guys free?"
"I have to work tomorrow but I'm good for Wednesday," Jackson said.
"Any day after five," Alec said.
"Same here," Mason echoed.
"Yeah, I'm good after five," Jimmy said.
"How about Wednesday, around six?" Ian said. "We can go late if we need to."
"Sounds good. That should give us enough time to go through everything at least once and all the new stuff a few times. Now if you boys will excuse me, I'm going home to call Taylor," Jimmy said.
"Practice on your own tomorrow and good luck, man!" Ian called.
"We'll see you Wednesday," Alec and Mason said as they followed Jimmy out the door.
"He's going to need that luck," Jackson said as he put his guitar away.
"Why's that?" Ian asked.
"Because, she's going out with Eric."
"You're kidding me!" Ian said.
Jackson laughed. "Nope. They're going out Friday."
Ian walked into the kitchen and started cleaning up the mess. Jackson pitched in. "He said it's obvious she's just going out with him to get to Justin Bingham or me but he thinks it'll be fun."
"It is pretty obvious she's gunning for you. He won't bring her to your place will he?"
"Oh, he knows better. He said if anything he'll go to her place, but you know Eric, he's all talk when it comes to the ladies."
"Yeah," Ian chuckled. "But what about Taylor? How is he with aggressive women?"
Jackson stopped loading the dishwasher to consider this. "I don't know. The last aggressive girl he dated was Abby and he wouldn't talk about it." Jackson shrugged. "Well, whatever happens, Eric expects to come away with new material for the show."
Ian snorted. "Would he really do that?"
Jackson shrugged again. "Who knows? I think if he does, he could disguise it enough so that she wouldn't recognize it."
"Yeah, she strikes me as the type that would be easy to…fool," Ian said. "Are you going to tell Eric?'
"No way! I'm not getting in the middle of that mess. That's between Eric, Jimmy and Taylor. So, what are you doing tonight?"
"Going over to Daley's. She's cooking dinner. Which reminds me, I'd better call her and tell her we're done. What about you?"
"Nothing special. I have to work in the morning so I figure an early night is just what I need."
"Okay, I'll see you Wednesday. Thanks for helping clean up, dude."
"No problem. Later." Jackson picked up his guitar and left.
- - - - -
Melissa finished typing up her interview then had a light dinner and got ready to go out. Her assignment was a little café's open mic night. Melissa was looking forward to it. A few of her friends from the paper were meeting her there. This kind of assignment was fun and easy. And, every once in a while, someone with some actual talent would perform. She checked her watch, 6:15. I'd better go. She turned off her phone and stuck it in her bag with her notebook and work cell. She made sure she had everything she needed and left. Guess I'll have to talk to him tomorrow.
- - - - -
Ian picked up his phone and called Daley. "Hey, pretty girl. Practice is over. Is that dinner invitation still good?"
"Hey, rock star. It sure is. You in the mood for anything in particular?"
"Anything you make is fine with me. As long as it comes with dessert, I'll be a happy man."
Daley smiled. "You're so bad. I'll see you soon?"
"Give me an hour or so. Do I need to bring anything or pick up something?"
"No, I have everything I need, except you. I'll see you in an hour."
"Or so."
"Or so…I…um...bye, Ian."
"Bye."
Daley hung up the phone and smacked herself in the forehead. God, the 'L' word almost slipped out again. She thought about it for a moment. Am I falling in love with him? No! It's too soon! Isn't it? I wonder how he feels? Daley remembered their early morning conversation. Chill, Daley. There's no rush. She shook her head then opened the fridge and started pulling out things for dinner.
- - - - -
Jackson checked his messages on the way home. The first message was work. They wanted him to pick up some overtime tomorrow. Fine by me. He quickly erased it and listened to the next one.
"Hi, Jackson. It's Melissa. I got your message while I was working, sorry I couldn't take your call. I have to work tonight from seven to around midnight so if you get this message before then, call me. If not, I'll talk to you tomorrow." There was a brief pause, he heard her take a deep breath then she said, "And…thanks for calling. Talk to you soon. Bye." Jackson smiled and checked his watch. Damn! It was already seven twenty. Guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow. Or…I could just leave her another message. He thought about it then decided against it. Don't want to seem too...stalker-ish.
Jackson arrived home. Eric was sprawled out on the couch, reading the newspaper, TV tuned to some classic sitcom.
"How was practice?"
"Really good. How was work?"
"Tons of fun. There was some fighting about the sweeps script."
"How bad was it?"
"Just enough to make it interesting. No permanent damage. It'll all work out."
"Hey, what about the Emmy stuff? You hear any more about it?"
"They finally told us which episodes they submitted, one was the one I recommended. We'll find out in a month or so if we're nominated."
"Really? That soon?"
"Yup."
"So, if you are nominated, are you taking Taylor?"
Eric snorted. "Are you kidding me? I mean, she'd look great on my arm, but I already promised my mom."
"Safe choice. Taylor can't argue with that."
"No one can. So, anything new with the guys?"
"Nope. Same old. Jimmy and Mason making asinine bets. And Jimmy losing, as usual."
"Oh yeah? Anything interesting?"
"Nah, just stupid shit. Streaking, phone calls. You know, typical juvenile Jimmy stuff."
Eric laughed. "Yeah. Hey, you gotta read this." He tossed a folded section of the paper at Jackson.
"What is it?"
"It's a review of your last show."
"Good or bad?"
"I'd say you have a fan."
"Really?" Jackson sat down and started reading. Parts of the review caught his eye:
"…this is a band made up of proficient musicians including award-winning producer and studio musician, Ian Milbauer…their lead singer has a very strong and somewhat unique voice…this performance included several new songs that blended seamlessly into their set, they sounded like they'd been playing them for years…with powerful music and lyrics and an excellent set of pipes fronting, Crashed is definitely one of the top bands on the local scene. I suggest you check them out."
"Wow! This is really good."
"That should help you sell tickets."
"Yeah. I'll have to call Ian and make sure he sees it."
"So, what's on your plate for tomorrow, chief?"
"Work at eight. Probably some overtime. Nothing special. You?"
"More fighting over the sweeps script, pretending we care about this week's show, the usual. Are you gonna call Melissa?"
"Yes. Probably on my lunch break."
"I'd make her wait till your dinner break. You don't want to seem overeager," Eric said.
"Yeah well, we'll see." He'd smack me if he knew I already called her. "I'm hitting the sack, I'm wiped. See you in the morning?"
"Nah, I have to be at the studio really early. Be safe."
"Always. 'Night."
"'Night, chief."
Jackson went to his bedroom. He called Ian and told him about the review then made sure he plugged his phone into its charger. He pulled off his clothes and crawled under the covers. Jackson stared at his beach picture for a few minutes before turning out the light.
- - - - -
Ian arrived at Daley's house holding a newspaper and whistling. She opened the door and he was greeted by a tantalizing aroma. "Mmmm, something smells delicious," he said, hugging her and planting a kiss on her lips.
"Yes, it does," she replied, burying her nose in his neck and inhaling deeply. She pushed the door shut and pulled him into the living room, standing on her toes to kiss him. "You're in a good mood," she remarked. "Practice must have gone well."
He held up the newspaper. "It did and we got a really good review," he said, kissing her again.
"That's great, Ian."
"What's for dinner?"
"Salad, steak and my special mixed veggies."
"And for dessert?"
Daley smiled mysteriously and said, "You'll have to wait and see."
"I like the sound of that," he said. "Do you need help with anything?"
"No, it's all ready. Just sit down and enjoy."
As they ate they talked about their respective days and Daley read the Crashed review. "This is so good, Ian. You must be really proud."
"Yeah. That's the best one we've ever had, I think. So, what's Taylor been up to? I haven't seen her lately."
"She's been busy dealing with a huge new shipment and coordinating the launch of a new line at work."
"Really?"
"I know Taylor isn't exactly…book smart, but when it come to her job, she's brilliant."
"What exactly is it she does again?"
"She is the junior assistant buyer and an assistant to the stylist for Fire and Ice."
Ian looked clueless.
"The big store on Melrose? Black and white building? The one stars go to for their red carpet fashion?"
"Oh, that Fire and Ice, " he said flatly.
Daley shook her head and rolled her eyes. Ian had obviously never heard of it. "Yeah, that one. Anyway, she is responsible for buying some of the accessories every season: bags, scarves, belts. She has to know the hot trends, what people want, what will sell. The store just picked up this new line and they gave her the responsibility to figure out how to market it to their clientele. She also helps style some of the stars."
Ian looked at her blankly. "You know, she helps them pick out their dress or tux and all the accessories for events like openings, award shows, society galas. Sometimes, she helps decide on their hairstyle and makeup, too." Ian looked nonplussed. "When you see a star looking gorgeous on the red carpet?" Ian nodded. "Taylor may have been the one to help them look so good."
"Oh. That sounds really…important?"
"In this town? It is. Her celebrities are always on the best dressed list. Her name is starting to be recognized."
"Huh, who knew?"
"Ian, your mother must use stylists to help her get ready for all the events she goes to."
Ian shrugged. "I never paid attention to that stuff. When I lived in the big house, mom and dad's room was in the opposite wing so I never saw them until the limo. I'd walk in my room and everything would be laid out for me. All I had to do was take a shower and put it on."
Daley shook her head and laughed. "Didn't it ever occur to you that picking and laying out all that stuff was someone's job?"
"Nope." He grinned at her.
"Boys!" Daley shook her head helplessly.
Ian wiped his mouth and placed his napkin on the table. "Now, what did you say about dessert?"
"Later. Help me clean up the dishes first."
He jumped up and started clearing the table. Everything was cleaned up in no time. Ian sat down on the couch. "Come here," he said, holding his arm out to Daley. She took his hand and sat down next to him. He turned her away from him and started massaging her shoulders.
"When is your next gig?" Daley asked.
"Thursday. We go on at ten. Can you come?"
"Of course. Oooh, right there. That feels so good!"
"You're really tight, what's wrong?"
Daley sighed. "My mother called."
"What did she want?"
"Nothing…"
"Then why are you so tense? What did she say?"
"She just…she's just so…critical."
"About?"
"Everything. My job, my apartment, my friends, my hair, my clothes, my life…everything! She drives me so crazy!"
Ian put his arms around her and pulled her back against his chest. "What can I do?"
Daley put her hands over his. "You're doing it. I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't let her get to me like this, but she's been relentless lately."
"Why do you think that is?"
"I have no idea."
"What about your dad?"
"He won't do anything. He's always at work anyway. I think it's just to get away from her." Daley sighed again. "I know in her own way she loves me, but…"
"Have you told her how she makes you feel?"
"Several times. It's like talking to a brick wall. She just starts crying and tells me I'm a disrespectful, ungrateful daughter."
"Whoa."
"Makes me feel guilty every time."
"What do you do when that happens?"
"Leave. What else can I do? I suggested counseling once."
"How'd that go over?"
"It didn't. She screamed at me that I was the crazy one and to get out of her house. Dad just stood there and said nothing."
"Wow."
"Yeah, wow. Now do you understand why I don't want you to meet them?"
"Yes."
Daley turned and faced him. "Anyway, enough about that." She kissed him softly and said, "Ready for that dessert, yet?"
Ian smiled. "I have a surprise first." Daley's eyes lit up. "What are you doing this weekend?"
"Why?"
"Do you have anything special planned?"
"No…"
Ian took her hands in his and said, "You've been so patient with my crazy work schedule and the band's rehearsals and gigs…we haven't had much one-on-one time…or real date time so…"
"But I understand that, Ian. You don't need to…"
Ian put a finger to her lips, stopping her protest. "I want us to go to the mountains for the weekend. We have a cabin near Big Bear, the property has a private lake, hot tub, pool, hiking, and bike trails. There's even a few decent restaurants and clubs nearby. There's good snow if you want to ski. Just you and me this weekend. No studio, no band, no music, no friends, no parents." He looked her in the eyes. "What do you say?"
"Ian," she said softly, "you don't have to do this. I'm fine with…"
"Don't you want to go?"
"No. I mean, yes, it sounds…incredible. But…"
"But what? You said you don't have any special plans this weekend. No work?" She shook her head. "Then there's nothing stopping you, right?"
She smiled. "Right. It sounds wonderful, Ian. I would love to go with you this weekend. Just, promise me one thing?"
"Anything."
"Bring your guitar and play for me."
He smiled. "Deal."
She kissed him again. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For being…you. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm so ready for my dessert."
"Me, too!"
Daley stood up and walked across the room. She put some music on and started turning out the lights. "Make sure the door is locked," she said.
Ian went to the front door, fastened the chain and tried the deadbolts. "All secure."
Daley was slowly dancing toward the bedroom. "Dessert's this way," she said, dropping her blouse and looking back over her bare shoulder at him, smiling seductively. She disappeared into the bedroom and her skirt came flying out the door. Ian kicked off his shoes and ran after her. The only light was coming from a small electric candle on the dresser. Daley was sitting on the bed, her back to the door. Ian pulled off his shirt and dropped his jeans then climbed onto the bed and knelt behind her. He pushed her hair aside and started kissing her left shoulder. Daley cocked her head to the side and his lips traveled up her neck, his teeth gently biting at the skin.
- - - - -
Eric was lying on the couch watching some Hollywood tabloid show when the video they were showing made him sit up. His eyes opened wide in shock. "Oh shit...no way," he whispered. He listened for more details then turned off the TV and sat there, stunned. Don't get involved, McGorrill. He sat there a few more minutes then got to his feet, his mind made up. He put on his shoes then grabbed his cell, wallet, keys and jacket and headed out the door. I hope I don't regret this, he thought.
- - - - -
Melissa was still smiling when she arrived home. The café had been fun and afterward, she and her friends went to a little comedy club and talked and laughed for a few hours. It was a nice change of pace from all the bars and bands. She got ready for bed but then decided to write her article before she went to sleep. She knew it wouldn't take long and she wasn't really sleepy anyway.
Melissa finished her article and emailed it to her editor. She checked the bidding war on her Russell piece and couldn't believe it was still going on. She had expected bidders to drop out after it reached the six figure mark but five publications were still vying for it. She almost fell off her chair when she saw the latest offers. She blinked several times to make sure she was reading them right then just stared. Guess I'm going to have to look into a financial planner, she thought. Melissa rubbed her eyes and closed her laptop. All that money...I'll deal with this tomorrow, it's too much right now.
The last thing Melissa did before going to sleep was check her messages. She was a little disappointed that Jackson hadn't called again. But, I did tell him I'd be busy until midnight. Oh well, I'll get to talk to him soon enough. Melissa fell asleep with a smile on her face.
- - - - -
Daley and Ian were lying next to each other, breathing heavily. "So...how...was your...dessert?" she asked, breathlessly.
"The...best. How...did you...know...that was...my favorite?" he panted. He put his arms around her and pulled her close. He kissed her temple, closed his eyes and sighed. "How...was yours? Did you...get…enough?"
Daley smiled and kissed his neck as she snuggled against him. "Mmm, perfect," she murmured. "I am completely satisfied."
"Is the...alarm set?" he asked sleepily.
"Uh-huh. I...set it before...you...got here," she replied slowly.
Their breathing eventually slowed and they fell asleep.
- - - - -
A/N: This chapter came out of nowhere. I started typing and this is what came out.
Thanks for reading! Please let me know what you think. Don't forget to PM with references, if you spot any.