Chapter Fifteen

They drove back in relative silence, both trying to sort through the emotions they were feeling. Richie kept his hand on her left thigh for the entire trip, a couple of times Halle had to stop his hand wandering, knowing that if he even got close to his goal they would probably end up in an accident. Richie just smirked at her reaction.

Halle invited Richie inside when they arrived back at her house. He still had a couple of hours before he needed to be at sound check and he knew exactly how he wanted to spend them.

Taking a seat on the couch side by side, Halle began feeling nervous. "Thank you for today. It's great to get away from everything, even if it was only for a little while."

"Anytime" Eyes sparkling, Richie pulled a small tendril of hair back from her cheek. Halle brought her hand up to his, their gazes locked on each other, they slowly moved together for a sweet kiss.

Halle could barely breathe, his tenderness was amazing, she smiled and slid into his arms, laying her head on his shoulder. They just sat together in comfortable silence. Richie' s hand making lazy circles on her shoulder, sending shivers through her entire body. His other hand had hers clasped in his lap. She could feel his steel hardness through the denim of his pants and felt herself salivating.

Finally, he couldn't stand being this close, yet not really close at all. Richie dragged Halle to his lap. He could hear his heart pounding in his chest and the blood rushing through his veins.

Halle gasped at his sudden movement and found herself held tightly to the rock hard chest she had fantasized about all day. He took her mouth in a greedy kiss, his tongue sweeping through her mouth, tasting her yet again. Excitement and urgency pushed past his control and spiralled through his body. He leant Halle back onto the lounge and spread along beside her. His hand slid up her thigh, around her hip to her waist, then under her top to the small of her back. She arched at the feel of his hands on her skin.

They were so lost in their passion that they didn't even hear the front door open and close.

"What's going on in here?" came a rather agitated male voice that had Richie and Halle jumping apart, and Richie losing balance and falling to the floor.

Chapter Fourteen

Halle and Richie enjoyed their time together. Halle was amazed at how down to earth Richie was, she was actually finding it hard to believe he had this whole other Rock persona. They spent most of their time admiring the view from a blanket atop the highest point of the land, a small peak right at the edge of the cliff.

Richie talked about Ava and how proud he was at how well she had survived her family's turmoil. Halle took his hand as he touched briefly on his divorce, just offering human touch as comfort rather than ask questions that he probably didn't want to answer and truth be told, were none of her business.

Richie smiled at Halle. Taking a quick look down at their hands intertwined, he slowly brought them to his mouth kissing each of her knuckles slowly, lingering on the last one, savouring her taste.

Halle groaned softly, with each kiss came a wave of desire, something she couldn't hide.

Halle's groan went straight to Richie's groin. He had wanted to keep a friendship with Halle, she was a very special person. Anyone who would help someone like she had him, deserved more than he was capable of. But hell, she certainly drew him in, he found himself feeling things he thought he never would again, emotions that were playing havoc with his good intentions.

Slowly Halle leaned closer and Richie met her halfway, capturing her mouth, stealing her breath. His tongue probed and coaxed, delivering a sudden need between her thighs that she hadn't felt in a long time. His tongue was hot, seductive and pleasuring. She found herself with an urgency that she wasn't sure she could contain.

Richie broke the kiss long enough to lick at her throat and gently bit at her shoulder, softly branding her. Driven with a need to taste her all over, he slipped his hand beneath her top to caress her breasts through the thin lace of her bra.

Halle inhaled deeply at the unsnapping of her front clasp bra. She then felt the warm breeze on her skin as he lifted her top, baring her breasts to his gaze.

"You're beautiful" The words poured from deep within Richie's throat as his eyes almost caressed her skin. Her breasts were firm and enticing as he bent to taste her. Halle clutched the back of his head to hold his mouth in place. Richie's body responded like a schoolboys. She was stirring feelings he wasn't familiar with. Suddenly kissing her, tasting her weren't enough. He wanted it all. He felt a hunger that was burning deep inside him, but he knew he couldn't...not here, it wasn't right. Halle deserved better.

Reluctantly Richie broke away, his cock surging yet again at the small protesting wimper Halle let out. "Baby, not here. I want to do things right for a change and this" he motioned to the blanket on the ground, empty picnic basket and dark clouds rolling in "really isn't what i have in mind for you."

Halle agreed and pulled her clothes back to order. "I suppose i had better get you back anyway, before Jon sends out a search party."

"You know the bastard probably would too."

They quickly packed up the blanket and the remains of the picnic and were just setting off when the rain began to fall.

Chapter Thirteen

Taking the passenger seat, Halle watched Richie climb behind the wheel and buckle his belt. "So what's the plan guitar boy?" she asked in good humour.

Richie snorted a short laugh then turned to Halle shrugging his shoulders. "Well...I did have plans but was kinda relying on your local knowlegde he smirked and Halle could do nothing but melt.

"Well how can I help?"

"I have a great picnic lunch packed, a thermos of coffee, a blanket and a car. I thought maybe you could help me out with a location."

Halle thought for a moment then got out of the car and cornering around the front she opened Richie's door "ok cowboy, I'm driving".

Richie laughed but realised she wasn't joking and begrudgingly left the driver's seat, deliberately sliding softly against Halle's breasts as he passed. Hearing her breath hitch he smiled sweetly and let his hand linger over her stomach a few seconds longer than he needed, then whistled softly as he rounded the front of the car and jumped in the passengers seat.

'Oh hell' Halle breathed evenly for a moment longer before taking the drivers seat and turning the ignition. "How long do we have?" she asked as she watched him buckle his belt.

"Well...if it's a kidnap you're planning, I will probably be missed at around four this afternoon at sound check" cocking his head to the side he smiled and continued "why? what do you have in mind?"

Halle snorted "If I wanted to kidnap you, I would have done it the other night". Backing out of her driveway Halle continued "well...if you don't mind the drive, I know the perfect spot."

Richie shook his head with indifference "great! let's go!"

"You sure you don't mind a drive? where I have in mind takes around an hour."

"Not at all,I'm in your capable hands" a sly grin spread accross his face and he slipped his eyebrows up and down at the double meaning

"That's dangerous" Halle smirked and navigated through the morning traffic heading north.

About forty five minutes later, Richie was watching the scenery pass by and as nice as it was he had no clue as to where they were or where they were heading. "Ahh Hal?"

Halle grinned at Richie's expression it was crossed between pained and lost "what's wrong?"

"Nothing, just wondering where we are" he continued looking around.

"About five minutes and we will be there" Halle turned the car down a dirt road that was lined with massive eucalyptus trees.

Richie looked through the window with interest and noticed there were no longer any buildings or houses around, it was just trees and vacant land. Coming over a small crest he took in the gorgeous view before him. "This is amazing" he whispered as the ocean came into full view.

Halle stopped the car "ready?" she smiled, happy with his reaction.

Nodding, he stepped out of the car, his eyes never leaving the sprawling view ahead. "How did you find this place? It's just amazing."

Halle looked out over the view, crossing her arms over her chest she softly rubbed the tops of her arms "it's mine".

"Yours?" Richie repeated. "Wow, the possibilities for land like this" he continued, mentally picturing a beautiful home spread accross the top, stairs leading down to the beach and a perfect studio where the tranquil setting would be perfect for his creativity.

"Yes...well, I'm hoping it will still be mine" sadness evident in her voice.

"What do you mean?" Richie came closer, leaning up against the bonnet of the car beside her, his eyes carefully watching hers, it was unnerving how much her evident pain was affecting him.

"Well, Rich, I'm in the middle of a divorce at the moment. This property was left to me by my grandparents, but now it's just another part of the settlement. I was hoping that Mark was going to let me keep it, but apparently there is no sign of the man i married."

Reaching accross, Richie stroked her cheek gently and smiled. "It would certainly be a shame to lose this" his other arm stretched out "how long 'til it's finalised?"

"About two months" brightening back up Halle turned toward the car and opened the boot "let's see what we have here. Any coffee?" Halle hoped Richie would keep the subject change. She certainly didn't want to air her dirty laundry, she knew Richie had enough of his own to deal with, he didn't need to be burdened with hers.

Chapter Twelve

The following morning Halle woke to loud banging on her front door. Groaning with displeasure after checking the time, she hauled herself from bed and stormed down the stairs like a child in a tantrum. “It’s eight AM” she yelled as she opened the door.

“Woah, sorry ‘bout that, do you want me to leave?” Richie laughed, hoping she wasn’t as pissed as she sounded, because the way she looked in her little pink cotton boxer shorts and red singlet had Richie wanting to alter the plans he had for the day.

Halle’s face burned from embarrassment, not only had she yelled at him, but she was standing there in her pj’s. Suddenly feeling exposed she began to stumble her words. “Um…no, no, oh shit. C’mon in” she stammered.

As he slid past her, his body briefly connected with hers, she could smell his cologne and that, matched with his baggy fit jeans, black tshirt and boots and she was done for.

“Richie just grinned at her reaction. ‘Damn if she wasn’t gorgeous, even with bed hair and sleep crinkles embedded on her cheeks. This is gonna kill me.’

“What are you doing here? And so early in the morning too?”

Grinning widely, Richie said “takin’ you out. You didn’t have plans did you?”

“Um…well” Halle was too confused to answer. ‘Is this a date? What the hell? Is he serious?’

“Good” Richie said, not waiting for her answer. He sat on the couch, pulled his left ankle up on his right knee and said “go on, go get dressed”.

Halle walked slowly from the living room then almost took the stairs in one leap. She turned the shower on and stripped off, then jumped in and had what she would have classed as the fastest shower of her life. Toweling herself off she decided to leave her hair to dry naturally and pulled on a pair of blue jeans and a white singlet top.

Richie looked around the small living room, it felt homey, lived in, comfortable and he smiled imagining himself spending time here. He stood and walked accross the room to the tv cabinet that had alot of picture frames accross the top of it. Some pictures had Halle and a young guy, Richie grimaced at that, not sure why he felt territorial over her. He moved along to a couple more frames and chuckled at Megan and Halle in a purely 80's shot where their hair was wildly teased and both wore bright makeup. Another frame showed an older couple that Richie presumed were Halle's parents as the resemblance was clear. The final frames housed pictures of a baby boy, an infant and then a couple of school portraits of a boy who looked like Halle, shrugging Richie presumed it was a nephew or cousin.

Richie perused her cd collection, nodding his approval of her tastes. She had music that spanned a decades. There was quite a lot of Beatles and Elvis, which he was impressed with, but what caught his eye was the cd case that lay open on the top of the stereo. He hit the start button and out blasted ‘Born To Be My Baby’. He chuckled softly but left it on. Sitting back on the couch he picked up a magazine and started flipping through it.

Halle was applying some makeup when she heard her stereo start; she was mortified and dropped her face in her hands. ‘Oh fantastic, so I’m a fan, can’t hide that. Why isn’t he turning it off?' Going back downstairs Halle crossed the room quickly to turn off the stereo. She turned to Richie who was reading one of the buyers catalogues she had. “See anything you like?”

“Hell yeah!” his eyes were wide looking through each page carefully.

Halle just laughed and took the magazine from him. “You’re a smartass aren’t you?”

“Well you got me pegged already.” Richie said “what’s with all the lingerie catalogues?” he held up another magazine, he pointed at a beautiful white lacy camisole and shorts, and smiled widely “you got this?”

Shaking her head and rolling her eyes she snatched the catalogue and clipped him on the back of the head with it.

“Hey, I was just curious” he said innocently, rubbing his head.

Sitting on the couch next to Richie, Halle pulled on her boots. “I actually have most of these things” she said.

Richie’s throat went dry just imagining her in some of those sexy little numbers.

Laughing at the look on Richie’s face Halle continued “I actually own a lingerie shop”.

“Oh really?” He was intrigued. “I thought you worked in the bar.”

“No, not for a while now. I did when I first moved here, but since I opened the store I just help Sal out whenever he needs me. Well I’m all dressed, where are we off to?”

“Well that’s a surprise” he said getting up from the couch. He put his hand out to help Halle up. Her small hand once again fitted perfectly inside his. She stood inches away from him, gazing softly into his eyes. He had so many scenarios running through his head, most of them ended with them naked on the couch behind them. ‘Fuck, this is gonna kill me.’

Halle stood frozen on the spot. ‘Oh my God, I can’t breathe.’ His scent once again made her insides turn flip flops. Ripping her gaze from his, Halle picked up her bag and keys and pointing toward the door said “after you”.

Chapter Eleven

Richie was muttering softly below his breath which made Halle chuckle nervously. She glared at Megan sending her an unspoken dismissal.

Megan stopped ranting when she read Halle's glare, her cheeks coloured slightly realising what she must have interrupted. "Ahh...well... I'm gonna just go and...um...yeah" with that said, Megan spun on her heel and took off back toward David and Tico.

Turning back to Richie, Halle looked up setting her gaze on his face. He was smiling back, his eyes twinkling and his smile widening as Halle became visibly nervous again. She looked down at her hands that were playing with a button on Richie's shirt, her mind racing. What the hell did she think she was doing? She was so far out of her element. He didn't even know her, she didnt know him. Mentally shaking her head, she knew she couldn't be some Rockstar's latest conquest, even if that certain Rockstar had beautiful, eyes that spoke from his soul, and a smile that could easily reduce her to a puddle. Even if that Rockstar's body called out to hers, setting every nerve ending alight with a desire she thought she would never know.

Richie watched the emotions dancing accross Halle's face. He noted the uncertainty, which he would have expected from someone as down to earth as Hal. This was a little too fast. His head was not in the right place at the moment to give Halle what she deserved. He lifted his hand to her chin and pulled her meet his gaze, slowly lowering he left a chaste kiss on her lips. Her taste was powerful, he wanted more. Forgetting his concerns, Richie dipped his head once more, his lips met hers again, this time they both tilted their heads, deepening the kiss. Richie ran his tongue softly along Halle's lips, looking for entry. She obliged with a sigh.

Halle had seen Richie descending for another kiss and was powerless to stop it. Truth be told she didn't want to stop it. She was amazed at how perfectly their lips fit together. Her hands slid up his chest and over his shoulders and linked together at the nape of his neck, as the kiss deepened.

Richie swept his hands down her cheeks and rested them at the base of her neck. He could feel her pulse beating fast beneath his fingers. As they slowly parted their breathing fast and erratic, Richie lay his forehead to Halle's as they regained their composure.

Halle was suddenly aware of how many people were actually in the room. Her cheeks coloured and she hid her face from anyone who may have been watching.

Richie smiled at her panic stricken face. "Hal, I'm sure no one was paying attention" looking over his shoulder, Richie gave the room a quick glance over and found only Megan and Jon staring in their direction. Jon was grinning like he had won a carnival prize and Megan was eyeing them suspiciously. Turning back to Halle he smirked "see, we didn't grab anyone's attention.

Megan looked for herself and found Megan still looking their way, giving her a cautious friend look, Halle just smiled and nodded in her direction. At that Megan returned to her conversation with Dave. Feeling her courage Megan took a deep breath and began "Richie" she faultered, not sure exactly how to say what she needed to say.

"Just say it darlin'"

Halle began again "Richie, i have to say without a doubt this has been one of the most amazing days of my life. I had breakfast with a great bunch of guys, got to see a kickass concert, and had an amazing experience here with you tonight"

"Why can i feel a BUT coming on?" Richie grinned.

"Because there is one. Rich, I'm not a casual type of girl. I..." she couldn't continue.

Richie knew where she was heading with this so he comforted her with an arm around her waist and pulled her close for a hug. "I know you aren't casual Halle, I would never treat you like that either, after what you did for me last night, hell, you could have made it alot more difficult, caused me a huge scandal, but you didn't and for that i am eternally grateful. I respect you too much darlin' to ever treat you anyway but the way you deserve to be treated." Halle felt tears burning her eyes. Richie wiped one away and continued "I haven't had such a great twelve months and i'm not sure where my head is with anything at the moment but i would truly like to keep in touch with you" he looked hopefully at her, his eyebrows winged awaiting her response.

Halle smiled gently "that would be great Rich" was all she said before they hugged again. Pulling apart Richie grabbed her hand.

"Let's see what's happening over here" he tugged her along 'til they reached Megan and the rest of the band.

Later that night, Halle lay in her bed smiling. It had been a great party, everyone was nice and Megan had taken a liking to Dave, which was quite an odd combination, with Dave being such a fun spirited person and Megan…well …not. She could have fun, but was very much business orientated. Halle hoped that a little fun with a funky keyboardist might bring out a little more of the fun Megan that Halle hadn’t seen since they were teenagers.

Her mind returned to the handsome wingman. He could easily have been the typical sleazy rock star, but he was down to earth and so much fun to be with. He had barely left her side all night and she could still smell his sweet musky scent. Their conversation started dancing around her mind. Was he serious? Could she have a friendship with Richie? She had enjoyed spending time with him so maybe it was possible. Their kiss was playing on her mind also, friends don't kiss like that, just remembering him being so close and so turned on was becoming dangerous and she laughed loudly at the delusions she created and buried her face in her pillow, eventually giving in to sleep.

Richie still had Halle on his mind, and after they all returned to the hotel he stopped in at Jon’s room.

“Hey man” Jon said opening the door further for him to enter. “What’s on your mind? Or should I be asking who’s on your mind?”

“Need I remind you asshole that we aren’t in high school anymore” Richie said plonking himself on the couch.

“Hey, I know we aren’t in school man, ‘cause if we were, I wouldn’t have had to do all the work, you would still have your balls and backbone and have done it yourself” Jon said smugly, and then shooting a concerned look at Richie, he continued “So what’s the problem? I know you were into her”.

Richie rolled his head on the back of the couch, shaking it slowly from side to side and running his hands over his face. “I don’t know man, she’s great, and gorgeous, but geographically speaking, she’s all wrong”.

“I wasn’t thinking anything long term Rich; I just thought you could have some fun while you were here, you know what I mean.”

“Fuck that! She’s better than that man.”

Jon watched Richie closely, thoughts ticking over in his head. He wanted to see his brother happy again, even if he had to give him a little push, he was going to make it happen.

Slapping his hands on his thighs Richie said “Shit! I just gotta keep it simple, no use makin’ situations worse than they already are”.

“Fuck that, go see her tomorrow, you already know you enjoy her company, maybe that’s all you need.”

Richie went to bed contemplating Jon’s advice. ‘Maybe he was right, but could he be just friends with Halle?”

Chapter Ten

“Huh? Where?” Megan was confused.

Halle pulled the lanyards from her bag. Grinning wildly she held them up “backstage”.

Megan began laughing at the ridiculous notion of them going to a backstage party, but on closer inspection the passes looked legitimate.

“C’mon, let’s go before you catch any flies in that open mouth of yours.” Putting the lanyards around their necks, she led Megan to the side of the stage and found Rob waiting for her.

He led them through a small maze of corridors until he opened a door that led to the party. There seemed to be a lot of crew and security, there was also a handful of photographers clicking pictures. There amongst the excitement Halle’s gaze landed on Richie.

“Oh my God! There’s Jon” Megan said pointing madly to a point in the middle of the room. “Let’s go introduce ourselves.”

Halle allowed Megan to pull her through the crowd, inching closer and closer to Richie who was talking animatedly with Jon and laughing. The women stopped and waited while they were talking, Halle was trying to her hardest not to laugh at Megan who was clearly star struck. The ridiculous smile and the constant jittering were making it hard to keep her composure.

Jon noticed them standing there and patted Richie’s shoulder for him to turn and look.

“Great show guys” Halle said smiling through her nerves. It was a very different Richie tonight than who had woken up in her house that morning.

“Hi Hal, glad you could make it” Jon said leaning in and giving her cheek a small kiss. “We had a blast, crowd was awesome.”

“Hey Halle” Richie said sliding his arm around her waist and giving her a quick hug. He didn’t know what was coming over him, as far away from women that he wanted to stay he still found himself automatically drawn to Halle.

Halle laughed a full bellied laugh at the look on Megan’s face as she had been watching the exchange between Halle and these God’s of Rock.

Feeling sorry for her friend, Halle put her arm around her friends shoulder “Megan, meet Jon and Richie.”

“Hey darlin’” they both said together, then one at a time bent down to kiss her cheek, chuckling too at her reaction.

Megan all of a sudden looked quite flushed, but recovered well enough to start the questions. “Ok, what gives?” eyeing them all off suspiciously.

After a brief explanation of the previous nights events and then this mornings breakfast guests, Megan was quite put out that Halle hadn’t shared the story with her.

“Hey, you’re lucky that I even invited you to come tonight sweetheart, after that horrible date you sent me on last night” Halle teased.

Richie’s ears pricked at the mention of the word ‘date’. Why did it bother him to know that she was on a date? Hell, he didn’t even know her then.

“Aww c’mon Hal, he’s not that bad.”

“You date him then.”

Jon made the less than subtle move of taking Megan to meet the rest of the band. Placing his hand at the small of her back he steered her away from Halle and Richie. Looking back over Megan’s shoulder, he sent Richie a wink.

‘What the fuck! Someone needs to tell that asshole that we aren’t in high school anymore.’

Halle put her hands up to tease at the ends of his hair. “Well, you certainly seemed to be over your hangover tonight.”

Richie watched her mouth as she spoke, wanting desperately to crush his lips over them.

“Yeah, all gone. It was a great show, we definitely need to get down here more often, and the fans are always great here. Hey can I get you a drink darlin’?”

“Sure, thanks.” Halle said “Just a coke.”

“Coming right up.” He slipped out of view for a split second then returned with a bottle for her. He opened a beer and took a long sip. He watched her tip her head, exposing her neck, her lips wrapped around the top ‘hell, it’s been way too long’ Richie thought, trying to fight off the horny devil sitting on his shoulder. In a slightly strained voice Richie suggested they go see what everyone else is up to.

Nodding in acceptance, Halle put her arm around Richie whose own arm had done the same to Halle, although it had been a totally innocent move, it had felt as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

The two manouvered around the room comfortably, Richie stopped to talk to a few people along the way, but never took his arms from Halle's waist. At one point while Richie was talking with a crew member, his hand was slowly moving up and down in a comforting motion on Halle's hip her shirt slowly inching up with each pass. She held her breath in anticipation of skin on skin, but Richie unconciously stopped when he finished the converstion. Halle let out a strangled breath, her heart was beating furiously in her chest. 'yep, definately a panty change needed'.

Richie backed Halle up against the wall in a secluded corner of the room, partially concealed by a huge potplant. She held her breath as Richie leaned in close to her ear, his body molding to hers. "Having fun yet?" his voice was raspy in her ear sending a coursing trail of lust straight through her body.

"Ah...huh" Halle's voice faultered, not one concious thought came to mind. 'blithering IDIOT' she mentally admonished herself. The look of satisfaction gleamed in his eyes as he realised how unhinged he had made her. She inwardly shook herself clear and came up with an answer. "Well, so far so good." Peering over his shoulder she continued "although it's not quite what i expected from a backstage party for a rock band".

Richie kept his body close to hers but threw his head back laughing loudly. "Darlin' this is as wild as we get these days" looking around the room quickly he sighed remembering the good 'ol days when there were no responsibilites, nothing but great music, great women and great booze.

Halle noted the nostalgia in his eyes and tried to lighten the mood. "Well i just expected to come back here and see naked women everywhere."

Richie leaned back in toward her ear again "well baby, if you want to start the ball rolling, you'd hear no complaints from me" he ended the sentence with a small nip to her ear.

Halle held her eyes closed, breathing heavily, her lips parted slightly at her arousal. She bit down on her bottom lip to prevent it from quivering then slowly opened her eyes.

Richie knew he was stepping over some lines he had drawn for himself, but the way she looked when she tried to compose herself, had brought on some pretty vivid mental pictures. Breathing in deeply, he inhaled her scent of vanilla and strawberry, and groaned softly wondering whether she tasted the same. He was keenly aware of her heavy breathing , pushing her breasts against his chest, his cock was straining for attention sending an ache through his body that made him feel alive for the first time in months.

Halle opened her eyes to see him smirking, his eyes piercing her. She found herself holding her breath again when Richie leaned in closer, his tongue slithered out, wetting his lips in preparation. As he got closer, Halle's lips parted.

"Halle" Megan called out as she approached.

Richie snapped his head up and brought his fist to his forehead and clenched his teeth.

'I'm gonna kill her...yep, it was nice while it lasted...but she had to go!' "What!" Halle growled. Richie chuckled slightly at her frustration, but he was dealing with his own disappointment at the moment and he knew it would be a couple of minutes before he composed himself enough to turn back and face the room. He grasped Halle lightly on the arm, sending her a pleading look.

Richie's gaze screamed out to her, had she really had that much affect on him? Glancing down briefly she blushed at the obvious reason for his pained expression and without uttering a word she knew to stay put as Megan came to stand by them.

"Oh my gosh Hal, Dave asked for my phone number. DAVE BRYAN wanted MY phone number" she shrieked, punctuating her words wth extra high screeches.

"That's great Megan" 'now go away!' Halle mumbled in annoyance.

Chapter Nine

At sound check, Richie was in a better frame of mind. He had spoken with Ava and they had remade their plans, his headache had subsided and there were no serious problems with the gear set up.

Jon wasn’t usually wrong when it came to his best friend. He knew Richie had been keeping his distance from the ladies this tour. On stage he was the flirt he had always been, the perfect performer, but that was all. He would retreat to his hotel room as soon as he was able to get away. Watching as Richie tuned his guitar, Jon just nodded to himself ‘yep, no doubt about it bro, you need to have some fun’ suddenly Jon no longer worried about sending Halle the tickets.

Halle had forgiven Megan for the date from hell and brought her along to the concert. She had so far left out the fact that they had back stage passes and still wouldn’t reveal the source of her connections on getting the tickets or about her breakfast guests that morning.

They made their way to their seats. “Holy hell Halle, you have some great connections there babe” Megan said looking back at the sea of people behind them. “I have never been front row at a concert before.”

“Me either. It’s so exciting” Halle replied.

Just then, the arena dimmed and the stage fell under spotlights. Dave and Tico took their positions followed by Hugh and Lorenza. When Richie took the stage, Halle held her breath and the crowd cheered louder. He looked amazing, the epitome of a rock star, black leather pants, scuffed boots, a purple shirt that was unbuttoned enough to see his chest, crosses dangling from his neck and of course a hat. Not the Stetson but it still looked good.

The crowd seemed to explode when Jon ran onstage. Halle was quite shocked at the crowd’s reaction, but once he came to the front of the stage she could see why. The man was hot; hell hot didn’t even begin to describe him. Tight black jeans, brown open shirt and a stage presence that seemed unequal to anything she had seen before. It was certainly where he belonged. He kicked straight into the first song and didn’t slow down for the rest of the night.

During Keep The Faith Jon came across in front of Halle and pointed to her smiling, Megan just about shot up on stage with him, she was beside herself.

“Did you see that Hal? He sang to you, oh my god I want that man.”

Halle laughed at her friend. “I think there’s probably thousands of women here that want him too.”

“Yeah, yeah I know, but let me have my little fantasies.”

Megan and Halle were dancing along to the music, having a great time. Jon came over their way a few times shooting them his famous panty dropping smile. Halle knew he was making a point about her previous ego remark, but laughed it off anyway. Richie hadn’t even acknowledged her and she wondered if he had even noticed she was there.

When Richie took the mic for the next song, Halle could tell he noticed her. She smiled and winked at him, but he simply smiled and moved on like she was any other fan in the audience.

Richie had scanned the front row, typical mutton done up as lamb, wearing shit their daughters couldn’t get away with. Then his eyes fell on her. Halle. ‘Fuck,’ Richie thought, ‘Jon had to be behind this, those seats were his to give out, son of a bitch, I’m gonna kill him’. Richie smiled his recognition and began his song.

I was walkin’ around
Just a face in the crowd
Tryin’ to keep myself outta the rain
Saw a vagabond king
Wearin’ a styrofoam crown
Wonderin’ if I might end up the same

Halle was mesmerized. She had tears in her eyes, but she didn’t even notice. His voice was smoky and so sexy. ‘I am so going to need a panty change when I’m done here’ she thought to herself.

Richie found himself turning his gaze back to Halle. The way she was staring at him, taking in everything he was singing, left him feeling warmth he had been without for so long. He kept his gaze on her as he sang; she looked fantastic, her long hair hung loose around her shoulders. Her black halter top had a deep enough V that Richie greatly appreciated from his vantage point. Her denim mini skirt was barely there it was so short and her long legs ended in a pair of black western style boots. ‘Now that’s an outfit.’ She was swaying along to his words, head to head with her friend who was cute enough with her strawberry blonde hair and slim figure. ‘Fuck, I’m screwed’ he thought. She was down to earth and hadn’t swooned over them at all that morning; she seemed intelligent and smokin’ hot to boot. Sounded like a package deal to him. He finished his song, took his bow and sent her a wink and his pick.

Halle caught the pick easily and mouthed ‘thank you’ to him. Giving her another wink he left the stage.

“What the hell was that all about?” Megan asked.

“What do you mean?” Halle replied as innocently as possible.

“Well, that almost looked like you knew each other.”

Halle was saved from having to explain herself by Jon’s voice, this time coming from a small stage at the side of the arena.

After the last encore was done, Halle sat back in her seat as everyone started filing out.

“C’mon girl, get up, the train leaves in ten minutes, move it” Megan said pulling Halle to her feet.

Looking mischievously at Megan, Halle said “well…what if I said we have a party to go to.”