Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Harley stirred on the sofa, as she was waking up from what felt like a post orgasm coma.

Feeling a heavy weight on her chest, she looked down and saw Richie had layed his head on

her chest and was sound asleep. She wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around him,

but should she dare wake him? Harley took a chance and ran her fingers through Richie's hair,

kissing the top of his head lightly. Just as she thought, he began to come around. When Richie

opened his eyes, he was a little surprised to see where he was. Looking up at Harley, she smiled,

"Hey there." she said. "Hey baby. I'm sorry. Am I hurting you?" he asked. Brushing the sweaty

hair away from his eyes, "No, your not hurting me. Sorry, I woke you." she said. "Mmmm, it's

ok." he said looking under the blanket and giving a soft chuckle. Harley giggled, "I know, how

high school are we?" she said. Both of them, still had their shirts on, but were missing their pants.

"Guess we were in a little bit of a hurry?" he asked with a big grin on his face, placing a kiss on

her lips, both still laughing over the juvenile state of it all. "So what do you have to eat? I'm

starving!" she said. "Well, my original plan was to take you to the Laker's game tonight and

to dinner. But in light of what happened to you today, I doubt you would want to do that." he

said. "Are you kidding? I would love to go to a Laker's game!" she said, sitting up on the couch

and putting her pants back on. "Seriously?" he asked, "It won't be too much for you?" Harley

shook her head, "No! I'm gonna be with you. I'll be alright. Let's go have some fun." she said.

"But do I have time for a shower?" she asked. "Absolutely!" he said, putting his arms around her

waist, "I won't let anything happen to you, Harley. I promise you that. If I would have been with

you today, that wouldn't have happened." he assured her, softly touching her wounded cheek. "I

believe that, Richie." she said, pulling away and heading to her bags. Richie helped carry them

upstairs, where they proceeded to get showered and ready for the game.


Richie pulled up to the valet and got out of the car. He walked around and opened Harley's door,

as she got out of the car, camera's started going off. Harley turned around, hiding her face in

Richie's chest. "I got you, baby. It's ok." he said, trying to reassure her. "They just wanna see

us together. Smile that beautiful smile for me." he said, stroking her back. Harley brought her

head up, looked in his eyes, and knew she had to do this, for him, for her, for them. Turning

around, she smiled and put her arm around Richie's waist. One reporter yelled, "Harley, you

look gorgeous, smile for me?" he asked of her. Harley did her best to look good for her man

tonight. She kept her hair long and flowing with minimal makeup. Trying to keep it casual, but

classy. Choosing a sequened, nude colored, tank top, with a pair of jeans and high heel boots.

Richie looked at her as she turned her head to the left, giving the camera man a beautiful, sincere

smile. She wanted the world to know that she was happy to be with this man. Richie couldn't help

but lean down into her ear, he whispered, "Thank God my shirt is untucked". Making Harley

beam, from ear to ear. Both waiving to the camera's, Richie put his hand in the small of Harley's

back and lead her inside. Security had met them inside and was taking them to their seats.

"Richie, can we get something to eat?" she asked, pointing to the pizza concession stand.

"Sure baby!" he said. While Richie was ordering the pizza he looked over and saw Harley talking

to the usher. She was beautiful and radiating happiness. Hoping he had something to do with that,

he paid for the pizza and they went to their seats.

Harley loved seeing Richie at a game. So involved he got, so passionate. Between times of

standing up and cheering on his favorite basketball team, he held her hand, kissing it from time

to time. Sharing small conversation and laughs. Suddenly, Richie heard the crowd begin to

applaud and scream. He looked up at the oversized screen and saw that he and Harley were on the

"Kiss Cam". His job was to kiss her at this point, so everyone could see. It was a nightly ritual,

but tonight, they focused in on them. Richie got a huge smile on his face, a smile that reached his

eyes. He looked over at Harley, who was laughing. Richie leaned over the seat, placing his hand

on the right side of her face and kissed her. A beautiful, deep, sexy kiss. The crowd went insane

for them. Richie looked in her blue eyes, "This will be everywhere tomorrow." he said. "and I

couldn't be happier." she said laughing. The Laker's won that night. But somehow, Richie felt like

he was the real winner of the day.

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

They're kiss was like coming home. The feeling that they fit so perfectly together and every moment in life, were just moments leading to this one. Suddenly coming to an end, when Richie's nose hit the cut on Harley's cheek. She pulled away and winced, when Richie saw it for the first time. You could see the anger flush over Richie's face, "Baby, your hurt!" he said, pulling her towards his breakfast nook, to sit her down. He went into the kitchen, for a wet wash cloth. Harley had blood running down her face and Richie began to wipe it away. "Dammit, your gonna need stitches. Let me call my Doctor. He'll come and fix you right up, baby. Then you tell me what happened." he said. After making the call, he went and wrapped some ice in the same cloth for her. Harley held it up to her face as Richie sat next to her. She started telling him what had been happening to her since Wednesday nights dinner with Brad, when Richie's phone rang. He recognized that ring tone anywhere, it was Ava. "Baby, I'm sorry, but I have to answer this." he said, while grabbing his phone out of his pants. "Hey sweetheart. You ok?" he asked. "I'm fine, daddy. Is Harley with you yet?" she asked. "She is." he answered. "Is she ok? I saw what happened to her at the airport on TV." Ava was very concerned. "She's ok sweetheart. What have I told you about watchin that crap?" he said sternly. "I know, daddy, but I was channel surfing and saw her and stopped to see. You need to do something to stop this." she told him. "I will! Don't worry, Tinkerbell." he said. "Ava, I have to go, honey. Someone's at the door. Talk soon. I love you. Bye." he said.

When Richie opened the door, Dr. Jeff Cohen was standing there. "Come on in, Jeff." he said. "Thanks. Where's our patient?" Dr. Cohen asked. "Right this way. She has a deep cut above her left cheek. It looks like it may need a few stitches." explained Richie. Approaching Harley, "Dr. Cohen, this is Harley Stewart." he introduced them. "Hi, Doc." Harley said, shaking his hand. "That looks like a bad cut. May I?' he asked. Reluctantly, Harley took a deep breath and nodded. "Oh! That looks nasty! Your right, probably around 6 stitches, should do the trick." Dr. Cohen told Richie. "Let me go get my bag out of the car. May I let myself back in?" he asked, turning to Richie. "Yeah, sure." he answered. After Dr. Cohen walked out, Harley looked at Richie, "I'm sorry." she said. "For what exactly? You did nothing wrong." "I can't go with you Monday now." she said. "Why can't you?" he asked. "I'm going to have 6 stitches in my face, Rich. People won't be talking about you getting that award. They will be talking about how your girlfriend looks like she went a few rounds with Mike Tyson." she said. "Your going! I don't care what they have to say. I want you there and that is what counts." he told her. Harley took a deep breath, "You have to help me, Richie. I need to hire a bodyguard to be with me everytime I leave my house. Maybe I can hire Karl. Do you think he would be willing to move to Nashville?" she asked. "We can ask him. This will either stop on it's own or I will make it stop." he said. "How can you possibly make it stop? Because for the life of me I can only think of one thing that will make it stop." she said, realizing that might be the same thought he had. "Richie? NO!" she said loudly, grabbing his face to make him look at her. "NO! That's not an option. I will deal with this. I'll be fine." she said. The last thing Harley wanted was to lose him over this. "I don't want you hurt. I don't want you invaded. Not over me." he said. "Your not breaking up with me over this. I'll get security. I'll do whatever I have to but I don't want to lose you, baby." she said. Richie could see her tears were building, "Ok baby. We will figure it out. Together." he said. "Thank you!" she said as the Doc walked up to her with his bag. He pulled out a syringe and filled it with Lidocain, "This is gonna hurt for a second." he told her. "Great!" she said, closing her eyes.

Dr. Cohen had finished suturing her cheek and left. Instructing that today, Harley needed to rest. Richie picked her up and carried her over to the couch and layed her down, covering her with a blanket. "I'll put on the TV and lay with you, ok?" he asked. "This wasn't the way we were supposed to spend our day together. I'm sorry." she said. "Stop saying your sorry. This is a perfect way to spend our day together. I could do without you being hurt. But the cuddling and watching TV part is fantastic." he assured her. Harley cracked the first smile since she got there. Richie's animation with his face and hands made her smile, even when she didn't want to.

Richie grabbed a blanket and climbed behind her on the couch. Grabbing the remote for the TV, he put on a movie they had both seen before. That way if they fell asleep, nothing would be missed. Harley laid on her back and Richie to her right, laid on his side. His face nuzzled in Harley's hair. He kissed her cheek softly and held her hand. Both were looking at their hands touching, rubbing, and exploring the others. Harley turned her head to face him, looking into his beautiful, soulful eyes. "Kiss me?" she asked, nearly in a whisper. "Thought you'd never ask." he said, leaning towards her slightly. Gently, Richie's lips touched hers. Like a whisper on her lips, she felt his breath on hers. She slightly licked her lips, as he carefully kissed her. Slightly seperating her lips, just enough to slide his tongue over her lower lip. Making Harley feel a heat and flush come over her. Harley lifted her head, not letting him go. Richie let his tongue explore her mouth. Bringing his right hand up over her breast. Their kissing went on for sometime, desire for each other was exploding inside them. Richie's fingers were caressing and pinching Harley's nipples. She was on fire now, kicking off her blanket. Richie unbuttoned her jeans and slowly unzipped them. Sliding is hand inside, to feel her heat and wetness. Finding her clit with his long middle finger, he let out a moan, when he felt it was hard and ready for him. Richie rubbed her softly and slowly. It was like she was his guitar and he knew how to play her. Harley was anxious and beyond ready for him. Taking her hand, she began working her way down to the hardness inside his pants. She began to undo his pants when he pulled her hand away. He hoarsley whispered, "No baby. This is about you, right now." Richie's finger quickly returned to her mound of hardness. Harley closed her eyes but Richie wanted her to look at him. He wanted to see her, to see what her eyes would say to him. "Look at me, baby." he told her. Harley opened her eyes and looked up at him, when he slid his finger's inside her, deep inside her. "Oh God, baby, your beautiful!" he said. Richie pulled his hand out of her jeans and sat up to pull her pants off. Harley's belly was quivering again. The way it was the first time they had sex. Richie loved that. It told him how much she wanted him. Her panties came off when he pulled her pants down. Taking his hands and rubbing her legs. Lifting one and he began kissing the inside of her ankle. Raking his tongue along the inside of her leg. Not stopping until he reached her honey. Richie opened his mouth and kissed her wetness. Harley closed her eyes and ran her fingers through his hair. As he licked, sucked, and nipped her clit and lips. Not leaving any spot unloved. Harley's hips began moving to the rhythm of his tongue. Richie's moans vibrating into her core. "Don't stop! Eat me, baby!" she said breathlessly. Richie's tongue was a fierce weapon, wanting her to cum for him, he never let up. He knew she was about to cum, when he stuck his finger's inside her again. The feeling of his finger's inside her, sent her into an explosive orgasm. Richie felt her clamp up around him. It was too much for him. Richie sat up and took his pants off. Exposing a veiny, purplish, blue, rock hard, shinny cock. "You want me, darlin'?" he asked, stroking himself. His juice beading up on the tip of his head. "YES!" Harley yelled. "Fuck me!". Richie lifted her legs over his shoulders, leaning in over her, guiding himself inside her. Breathing through gritted teeth as he slowly pumped in and out of her. Harley had her finger's dug into his arms as his fucking got more and more intense. Richie was so far over her, that her knee's were nearly next to her ears. Harley reached for his lips with hers, not quite making it but their tongue's danced together. Richie's cock hit her g-spot perfectly, when Harley came for him. Clamping down tight on him, "Ahhhhhh!" he yelled out, shooting his hot cum deep inside her. Harley could feel his hardness spasm inside her as he came. Letting Harley's legs go, he lay on top of her. She wiped away the small beads of sweat on his face, while he looked in her eyes. "I love you, Harley. Your who I've been waiting for my whole life." he said. "I love you, Richie." she said, pulling him down for a soft kiss, forgetting about the cut on her face. "Ouch!" she said. "Fuck! I'm sorry, baby." he said. "You ok?" he asked. "Yeah, I'm better than ok." she said as he rolled off her, covering her up with the blanket. Rolling over on her side, she nuzzled up to him and they floated into a nice nap.

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Harley woke before her alarm went off. Sleep evaded her most of the night. So much on her mind but the primary thing was Richie and the fact that she would be with him very soon. It was like butterflies danced in her belly all night. Looking and seeing that it was 7 am, she knew he wouldn't be awake yet. Especially since they spend most of the night talking on the phone. Harley left out the talk about the CMT's, feeling it best to save it for when they were together. Harley wanted to read Richie's face to  make sure it was an honest reaction and not him being polite.

Harley took a shower and did all the necessary things a woman does, before her weekend with her man. Earlier in the week, Harley had done all her shopping for lingere. Buying some really pretty teddy's and g-strings. Things she was certain Sambora wouldn't be able to say no to. A smile hit her face, not that he would want to say no.

It was quickly 9 am and the driver showed up and was putting Harley's luggage in the limo, when she received a text, "Be safe and see you in a bit, gorgeous. You make my heart smile. xox." Making her feel so special and also calming her nerves. Harley didn't run into any problems boarding the plane and the flight itself was very smooth and calm.

Richie had to take Ava to Heather's that morning. Then he had a few meetings for NikkiRich and for his solo album. Not sure how well he would be able to focus on any meetings today. All he could think of was Harley. She would be there with him, laughing, talking, cuddling, playing, and sex. Lots of SEX! Richie allowed himself to begin thinking of the sex he was going to have with her. What it was he wanted to do to her first. Thank God, he was alone in his car, as a groan came from deep in Richie's chest. Just as he suspected, there wasn't much concentrating at the meetings. He got what he needed out of them and left. Stopping at his favorite place, Marmalaid Cafe, a quant and popular place in Calabasas, for lunch. On his way out he had been approached by some familiar faces, with camera's. "Hey Rich!" a short, stocky guy yelled out to him. Richie recognized him immediately, "Wassup?" Richie asked, not really caring what he had to say, but being his polite self. "How's things with you and Harley?" the bold camera man asked. "Excellent! Thank you very much!". Richie never stopped to talk. "So your happy?" he asked Richie. "Very! See ya!" Richie answered, waiving, as he got into his car and left. This was nothing out of the ordinary for him. He headed straight home, as it was getting close for Harley to show up.

Harley, on the other hand, wasn't used to that much chaos. When her plane landed, she headed to the luggage pick-up. When suddenly, out of nowhere, a sea of paparazzi swormed to her. They circled her, with camera's flashing in her face. Harley couldn't see anything in front of her. "Harley, what are you doing in LA?" one guy yelled. "Harley, you here to see Richie?" she heard. Another grabbed at her shirt, yelling, "Hey Harley, look over here!". He pulled her shirt so hard that he tore the sleeve. Feeling a sting on her face, like she had been cut. Harley couldn't move, she was about to go down. They were pulling at her and pushing her, when a hand reached through and grabbed her, pulling her out of it. At first, Harley couldn't see who it was that grabbed her. She just knew she had to follow him, to get out of there. Her momentary hero yelled for her to keep her head down and push through the crowd. He lead her outside of the airport, opening a limo door, "Get in!" he said. Harley climbed in. "I'm going to get your luggage. I'll be right back." he told her. When Harley looked out of the window to see who this guy was, she saw a man about 6'5" tall and very muscular. He was wearing a black and white suit. He must be the driver Richie sent for her. Sinking down into the seat, she was visibly shaking. Tears were streaming down her face. Her face, that still stung. Searching her purse quickly for a mirror, Harley couldn't believe she had a cut on her left cheek. After about 15 minutes, the driver returned. Sliding into the drivers seat, he asked, "Should we call Mr. Sambora?". She looked up at him and shook her head, no. Harley was clearly traumatized and scared. "Ms. Stewart, my name is Karl. I am your driver for today. I see you have a cut on your face. Do you need medical attention?" he asked. Harley shook her head, no. "There's ice in the cooler. Wrap some in a napkin and put it on your cheek." he instructed her. Harley nodded, ok. Harley saw camera men coming out of the airport and tensed up. "It's ok, they found another subject. Tom Cruise was right behind you. That's who they were waiting for." Karl said.

The car pulled into Richie's driveway, but Harley was oblivious, as she was very withdrawn.  Harley was hiding inside herself. "Ms. Stewart, we are here. I'll come around and let you out." he told her. But when he opened the door, she didn't get out, instead she slid into the middle of the seat. "Ms. Stewart? You can get out." but still nothing. Karl thought Harley must be in shock. Shutting the limo door, he went and rang Richie's doorbell. Richie answered with a very happy look on his face, but was shocked that it wasn't Harley standing there. "Hey Karl. Where's my girl?" he asked looking past Karl. "Ah, well, there was a problem at the airport." Karl said. "Problem? Is she in the car, Karl?" Richie asked. "She is! She won't come out. I think she's in shock or scared to death." he said to Richie, but Richie was already walking past him. Richie opened the limo door and saw a very frightened woman. Richie knelt down, looking at her softly, with concern in his eyes. "Harley?" he asked for her softly. Harley didn't flinch. "Baby? Look at me? Please?" he asked. "I'm right here adn your here with me. Nobody is going to hurt you here. Take my hand, darlin'."  Harley looked at him, searching his face. Reluctently, she put her hand in his. "Hi!" she said. "Hi babygirl!" he said gently. "Ready to get out of the car and come inside?" he asked. "Stay by me?" she asked with a shaky voice. Richie nodded, "Promise" he said. She slowly got out of the car, looking around her. As they approached the porch, Harley stopped and turned to her tall hero. "Thank you, for doing what you did, Karl. May I hug you?" she asked. "It was my pleasure, Ms. Stewart." he said as he reached for her hug. Richie began to take a step back and let go of Harley's hand, but she would not let go of his. Hugging Karl with one arm. "Everytime I come here, I want you to be there to get me, please?" she asked as she stepped away from Karl. "Yes, ma'am." he said, as Harley started to walk inside the house, with Richie close at her side. Richie turned and yelled, "Hey man, Thank you! I'll take care of you later." then shut the door. "Lock it." Harley insisted. After Richie locked the door, he turned around and Harley latched on to him, holding him close to her. "Baby, your shaking." he said in her ear. Harley looked in his eyes with such intensity and brought both hands up around his neck and ran one through his hair, pulling him to her lips. She was safe, with him.

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Harley was finishing up all her traveling preperations, after she finished with the fencing company. Working out all specifications of what she wanted. Going over in her mind the crazy phone call from Richie earlier that day. It really bothered her that he thought she would do that. Obviously, he was a man who was dealing with some deep underlying insecurities of his own.  Harley knew she would have to work a little harder to build his self confidence. Heather must have really stuck it to his heart. All Harley wanted to do was love him and make him happier than he had been in years. Harley snapped out of her thoughts, realizing she was sitting on the floor of her closet, picking out shoes to take. Suddenly, she knew what pulled her back to reality, the doorbell. Was it worth seeing who it was? The police chased off most of the annoying paparazzi. Could it be a straggler? FUCK! Whoever it was, wasn't giving up. Getting off the floor, she ran downstairs. Breathlessly, she swung open the door. It was Maria, her publicist. "Oh my God! Hey sweetie!" Harley said, happy to see her and pulling her inside, to hug her. "What brings you all the way out here?" she asked, letting her go. "I have something to run by you, but I felt it needed to be done in person." Maria said. "Oh! Well, come on in. Sounds serious? Can I get you something to drink? Some iced tea?" she asked, leading Maria into the living room. "Sure, I'd love some, with sugar, please?" Harley nodded. "Sit down and I'll be right back." Harley returned a few minutes later, "You know I just love that picture!" Maria said, pointing to a picture sitting on the end table, next to her. Harley smiled, "Yeah, one of my favorites too." she said. "So what's up? Talk to me." Harley didn't like beating around the bush. Maria cleared her throat. "i was contacted by the VP at CMT. Asking if you would be willing to perform on they're awards show in 2 weeks." Harley's eyebrows narrowed, "This is the BIG thing, you came here for? Seriously?" she asked. "Well, yes and no! There's more." she said. Harley's hands came together as in prayer. "you know I adore you, but I have no patience for this. Just say it!" she told her. "Ok! They want a tribute to Tim." Harley nodded. "What kind of tribute? Why am I needed for that?" she asked. "They want you to sing with him again. A duet of yours." she explained. "Kind of impossible, ya think?" Harley was getting irritated. "Not entirely! You will walk out all glamorous and being singing, when the video version of Tim will be playing behind you." explaining that she will turn sideways to face Tim.  Harley cleared her throat and sat back in her seat. Feeling like she had been sucker punched. "Why? Why do they want this? Ratings? I won't exploit Tim for ratings!" Harley was trying her best to understand what and why they wanted this. "It's coming up on the anniversary of his passing, Harley. They want to celebrate his music and the love between the two of you." Harley nodded, "Of course! I know what's coming up!" she said standing up and excusing herself for a bathroom break. Harley walked into the bathroom and shut the door. She had forgotten! How could she forget? She knew how she forgot. His name was Richie! "I'm sorry, Tim. I'm so sorry!" she said softly to herself. the tears fell down her cheeks. "This is so hard. Falling in love with someone new and letting go of the past, while the world still wants to hang on to it. Do I give them what they want or walk away?" she realized Tim wasn't going to answer her. Wiping her face and hands, she headed back to the living room. "Harley, I'm really so sorry! Now you understand why I came here?"  Maria said. Harley looked at her, "It's ok. How much time do I have before I have to give a solid yes or no?" she asked, feeling she needed time to think about it.  "Monday, Harley. If you don't do it, they don't want you!" she said. "That's harsh! I've been hit with a lot of harshness today! I'm about done! Monday will be fine. I'll call you!" Maria stood up and hugged Harley. Seeing some suitcases by the stairs, "Your traveling somewhere?" she asked. "Yep! Heading to LA tomorrow morning to spend the weekend with Richie." she said smiling. "Harley, it's ok to move on, ya know? It happens. You can't stay alone forever. Tim would want this for you. It's really good to see you smiling." she said. "On that note, have a wonderful time. We will talk Monday?" she confirmed. "Absolutely! I'll still be in LA but I'll call." she said, hugging one last time.

Harley sat back down in the chair she was sitting in earlier. Took her favorite picture of her and Tim in her hands. Running her finger over his face. She began to speak out loud. "Well Richie, you want a woman to talk to you? Your gonna help me decide this, because I can't do it if it hurts you. Tim will forgive me. Would you?" Putting the picture down, she headed up to her closet to finish her packing, once and for all. Again, yelling out loud, "Will this day just end already? SHIT!"

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Richie got off the sofa and headed to his room. Changing into shorts and feeling tired but it was too early for him to sleep. Usually he slept only 7 hours a night, so going to bed now would have him awake at 5 am. He headed into the game room to play his favorite video game. After a few minutes of getting into the game, his phone rang. Pausing the game, he looked to see who it was. 'Ugh', he said to himself. It was Denise. 'What could she possibly want?'.

"Yo! What's up?" he asked in his least interested voice. "That's how we are saying 'hi' now?" she asked. "What the fuck could you possibly want, Denise?" he asked. "I just wanted to see how things were going for you and Harley." she said. "That's sure as shit not something I'm willing to share with you." he said. "Well that's harsh, Richie?" "Harsh? You haven't seen harsh, sweetheart! I know it was you who leaked to the press about Harley and I." Richie confronted her. "What makes you think it was me?" she asked with her most innocent voice. "Because I know you, remember? That bullshit you played the other day backfired and set you off." he said. "It wasn't bullshit, Rich. I didn't know she was there. Although, I did enjoy her expression, when she saw me, naked, in front of you!" she laughed. "I didn't! I didn't appreciate any of it. I haven't told her it was you, but I'm sure it's something she's thought of herself." he said. "Again, your assuming it's me." she said, getting annoyed. "Well what the fuck ever, Denise. I think this phone call is done." he said disgusted. "Talk soon?" she asked. "Don't count on it darlin'." he told her with a level of finality and certainty in his voice. Then hung up. Richie knew how manipulative Denise could be. The last thing he needed or wanted was this woman interfering in his relationship with Harley.

Thursday morning, Richie woke at his normal time. Ava still sleeping, he took advantage of some down time before returning phone calls and beginning the days business. Grabbing his coffee and iPad, he sat outside, turned on some Jimi Hendrix and logged into his email.
Richie had an email from his publicist, marked "URGENT". When he opened it, he saw "Hey man, I've been trying to call you all night. Your lady ran into some trouble last night. Here is the couple of links I was able to find. Get ahold of me when you can to let me know what you want me to do.".
A frown instantly covered his face. Reluctantly, he clicked on the first link. The headline read "Who's Cheating Who?" and continued with "Richie Sambora is definately riding his own 'karma train' these days. Looks like he's being played by his country babe, Harley Stewart!". Richie groaned and stopped reading. Scrolling downward to see the pics. He saw a picture of Harley's hand in Brad's, looking like they were having a very intense talk. The other was them being escorted out the back door of the restaurant. Richie moved on to the next link. Reading "Harley Stewart Blindsided By Paparazzi During An Intimate Dinner With Brad Paisley! Where's Richie Sambora?". Slamming his iPad down, nearly shattering the screen, he flashed back to last nights conversation with her. Remembering her doing everything she could to distract him from they're dinner. Feeling pissed off now, because she kept something so big from him. He grabbed his phone and called her.

Harley was unable to tend to her horse today. When she tried to go outside she had camera's everywhere. She couldn't understand what the big hype was. Harley had called a friend to come tend to the barn. then called to have someone come out to give her an estimate on secured fencing for her property. Until that time a police car sat at the end of her driveway, making sure nobody approached her. Harley had begun to pack while waiting for the fence guy to complete his estimate. Harley's phone rang as she was picking out what dress to wear on Monday night. "Hey baby!" she answered happily and excited to hear from him so early in the day. Richie cut through the chase, "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked. "Why didn't I tell you what?" she asked with a sinking feeling she knew what he was talking about. "Don't play with me, Harley. What happened last night? Cause what I'm seeing, I'm fuckin not liking, at all!". Harley didn't like the tone in his voice. "Don't use that tone with me, Richie! I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want to upset you." she tried to explain. "you figured me finding out the way I did would make it hurt less?" he asked. "Baby, I'm sorry. I was just trying to handle it on my own. I really didn't want you to feel like you had to protect me, like a little girl or to have a burden on your shoulders because of me. It's part of the rock star territory, right?" she asked, completely confusing Richie. "What the hell are you talking about, Harley?" he yelled at her. Harley yelled back, "What are you talking about?" she asked. "I'm talking about you fucking Brad!" he said loudly. "WHAT?" she screamed. "What the fuck makes you think I'm doing THAT?" she asked. "It's all over the place. Your dinner with him. The two of you holding hands and him escorting you out of the place. How could you do that, than talk to me like that after?" he asked her, feeling crushed to pieces. "Richie, STOP! That's not what's happening! You knew we had dinner last night. Yes, he held my hand during the lecture I got from him about putting all my eggs in one basket. Him escorting me out of the restaurant was because I was attacked by press before dinner was ever ordered. Brad had to get me out of there and when he tried to take me home, there was press all over my lawn. He had to take me to his house and took me home an hour later on the back of a fuckin horse! THAT'S what happened!" she explained. Feeling very silly and foolish, considering he had been the victim of false press more times than he cared to remember. "So your not fucking him?" he asked. "NO! I'm NOT! I don't want to! There's only one man I want! ONE! YOU are all I can think about, Richie!" she assured him. "I feel like..." he paused, but Harley broke in with, "You feel like an asshole?". "YES! Can you forgive me?" there was silence on the phone for a minute. "Harley?" making him sweat it out a bit for yelling at her. "I can forgive you. Next time I'd appreciate you discussing it with me, instead of yelling and accusing me. Fair enough?" she asked, feeling like she wasn't asking for too much. "That's fair! There's just something about you that has me completely spun and not thinking rationally." he said. "So are you ok? Have they gone away?" he asked her. "I'm ok now. I was very shook up last night, until I talked to you. They are out by the road. I have a police car sitting out there." she said. "Baby, I'm so sorry! For everything! You need to tell me when shit like this happens. It's my nature to want to protect. If it gets to much for you, please tell me?" he asked her. "Too much for me? As in walk away from you? Never hear your voice, kiss your lips, or feel your touch? Because of paparazzi? Will never happen. But I do promise to talk to you about it, ok?" "Ok!" he said, when the fence guy came in. "Baby, I gotta go now, but I'll see you soon, right? Can't wait! Muah! Bye!" and she hung up.

The estimate to put a brick wall all the way around her home with security camera's would run $50,000. Thinking for a moment of how serious she felt about Richie and did she feel it would be worth such expense. She didn't need to think long, "Do it!" she said. Writing a check. She planned on being with Mr. Richie Sambora for a long time to come.

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Later that night, Harley still couldn't get into her driveway. Brad sattled one of his horses and rode her home through the back. Thinking now she would have to have her house gated. Making sure not to turn on any lights around the front of the house. Harley called the local police department and let them know of the intrusion on her property.

Harley ran herself a hot bath, lit some candles, turned off the lights. She sank down inside the hot water and let it encompass her body. Washing the day away, with candles burning next to the tub. Before getting in she couldn't help but put Stranger In This Town on to feel closer to him. She closed her eyes and pictured his sweet face. She debated on telling him about what had happened, knowing he would be less than happy. She decided to leave it out. Harley finished bathing, but just didn't want to get out, till she heard her phone ringing. Quickly grabbing a towel and running to the phone, it was Richie. He knew she had dinner with Brad tonight. He wasn't about to show it, but there was a slight sting of jealousy. Brad was his friend and hers and he knew he had to put trust in them both. Harley answered "Hey!". "Hey?" he asked. "Yeah! Sorry, was running to grab the phone. Hang on, baby." she put the phone down and wrapped a towel around her, put slippers on, grabbed the phone and headed to the enclosed balcony for a cool breeze.  "Ok, let's start again. Hi!" she said as she sat in her wicker chase chair. "What was that all about?" he asked. "That was about me being in a hot tub. when I heard the phone ring." she explained, "and I didn't want to miss your call." He smiled, "How was your dinner, gorgeous?" he asked. "It was ok. How was your day?" she asked, but Richie was stuck on the first part of what she said. "Just ok? Why only ok?". She took a deep breath, "I guess because I got the first, second, and third degree and I rather bored from it." she said. "Why did you get that? Talk to me, darlin'." he wanted to hear all about it. Another long, tired, and deep sigh escaped her, this time loud enough for Richie to hear. "I really would much rather talk about other things and forget about this night, please, baby?". He wasn't going to let it go, "It was about me, wasn't it? That's why you don't want to talk about it." he said. "No! I don't wanna talk about it cause, I'm sitting here, near naked on the phone with a very sexy man and could think of something far more exciting and hot to be doing." "OH! Well in that case we can touch on that subject later. Near naked? What are you wearing?" he asked. His voice changing to a deep, sexy voice that turned her on. "I have a towel on, but..." she paused as she undid the towel and opened it, letting the breeze touch every part of her skin. "I just took it off and now I'm sitting outside on my balcony, naked, wishing you were here.". Richie let out a moan, to show his happiness to hear that. "I wish I were there too. The very thought has made my jeans very tight." he said. "Mmmmm, so what can we do about all of this? So far away from each other?". Richie loved the way this woman thought. "Maybe I should ask if your alone or at least where you can play?" she asked him. "Oh, I can play,  honey! How far are we taking this play time, baby?". Harley giggled, "How's all the way sound to you?" she said seductively. "I love the way that sounds. So I take it that it's dark there?" he asked. "Yes, it is. Full moon shining down. Very hot and very humid. It feels so good letting the air dry my body."
"Oh baby! Take your right hand and touch your breasts." he instructed her. The very thought got him even harder. Harley did as she was told. "I think I need to wet my finger. It feels to dry and rough on my nipple. Any suggestions as to how I should wet it?" she asked. "I can think of a few ways" he told her. "But we will start with you putting your finger in your mouth.". Harley wanted to take it a step further, "I'll do as you ask, my Master!" With those words, Richie had to sit down. His knee's got weak. Richie could hear sucking sounds through the phone. His dick was as hard as it could get. She was so erotic and he was really enjoying this but wished he was with her, so he could show her just how much of her "Master" he was. "I'm pretending my finger is your cock in my mouth. I wish you could feel this, baby! Undo your pants, now!" she ordered him. "I thought I was the Master here?" he said. "Richie, just take your cock out and touch it for me, please!"  he let out a grunt, as he leaned back on his couch, beginning to unbutton his jeans. "Tell me what your doing." she begged. "My curious girl, I'm unzipping my jeans and pulling my cock out for you." he told her. "Is it hard?" she asked him. "Very, it couldn't get any harder. Tell me what your doing?" he returned the question. "Playing with my nipples. Fighting the urge to fuck myself, right now. I want you so bad. So deep inside me." Richie's breathing quickened a bit. "Fuck yourself, now! Rub your clit and imagine my tongue all over it and inside you. Thrusting in and out, tasting your wetness." Harley did as he asked. She slid her fingers in and gasped. She was picturing exactly what he told her to. Richie was lost deep in his own fantasy of her. Both forgetting to speak any further. All the other could hear was heavy breathing and intense moaning. Harley broke first, "Stroke it hard and fast baby! Damn, I wanna see you pleasure yourself." she told him. He was stroking and slamming his cock so hard and fast. He was throbbing and cried out "I'm cumming baby! Cum with me now!" Harley puled her fingers from inside her and began rubbing her clit again. "Wait for me! Oh Yeah! I'm, ahhhhh, I'm cumming baby!" All Harley could hear were grunts, moans, and deep heavy breathing. Richie came all over his stomach. He layed his head back and took a deep breath, "Ya know? I'm starting to feel like your using my body for sex!" he said jokingly. Not realizing Harley can play just as good as he could. "That's because I am! What else would I want from your body?" she said. "Your a bad girl!" he told her as he cleaned his stomach with a tissue. "But I have to say, I love it!" "What exactly do you love about it?" she asked. "Well, I love your passion, your sex drive, and that you find me sexy." he explained. "Oh Richie, I find you to be the sexiest! That's why my sex drive is so high. I can't get enough of you." she said, stroking his ego. "Maybe we should be careful, baby." he said. "Careful? Of what? Why?" she asked, wondering what he was getting at. "This is your second relationship, EVER. So I know you don't know this, but I've been around a bit, baby and sometimes focusing so much on sex in the beginning is bad for the relationship." he explained. "Bad? How?" wanting to know more. "Because eventually sex dies down and the couple is not able to relate or have a firm foundation." he said. Harley laughed, "What's so funny?" he asked. "If you think I'm ever gonna stop having sex with you, guess again, buddy!" still laughing. "What about" he paused, "What about when I'm too old to have sex? And with you being ten years younger, that could be a problem.". "Seriously?" she asked without laughter. "Richie, that's a long time from now. If we make it to that point, I think it will be safe to say, we got through it. When that time comes, I'll have one of two choices." she waited for his response. "Choices? Which would be?" he asked, eager for her answer. "Choice one, curl up to you and hold you every night, forever." she said. "Choice two?" he asked. "Choice two, since I'm still young and eager. I could masterbate in front of your nightly, completely torturing you!" she said laughing again, with a twisted evil sound. "Oh that would be torture! I may not be able to get it up anymore but I'd love the view. Not to mention, my oral abilities would still work, honey!"  he said laughing. "See?" she said, "Where there's a will, there's a way. We would be just fine." she answered him. "I can't wait to see you." he said. "Me too, babe. I wanna hold your hand, again." she said, making Richie smile. "Talk soon, sweetie." he said to her. "Ok, goodnight.". "Goodnight, darlin'." After hanging up they both wondered why they didn't say 'I love you'. Nearly at the same time they both sent a text to each other, saying those exact words. Making the other smile. After a few minutes, Harley realized Friday was in less than two days and she had a ton of packing to do. But at this very moment, she was beyond exhausted and decided to put it all off till tomorrow. She climbed into bed and with thoughts of Richie, she drifted into a deep sleep.

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Time...just didn't seem like it was moving fast enough for Harley or Richie. They just wanted to be together. Harley did things to keep her busy, so time would pass. It was Wednesday night and she had dinner plans with her dear friend, Brad Paisley. There was a restaurant in Nashville, Paul's Chophouse, that Brad was contemplating on buying. Very elegant and he wanted Harley to check it out.

Brad picked her up at 7pm, keeping conversation light until they were seated. Being seated right in the front window. Harley didn't give it any thought, as she had been able to roam around her hometown with little fame problems. Occasionally, the two of them would get a few fans wanting autographs and that never bothered the two of them. They ordered they're drinks and Brad began to order them wine, when Harley stopped him, "I'll just have iced tea with lemon, please."  Brad looked at her shocked. "Since when do you pass up a great bottle of wine?" he asked. "I just don't want any this time." she answered defensively. But Brad wasn't stupid, he began putting the puzzle together in his head. "So, how's things with Sambora?". As soon as she heard "Sambora" her face lit up with an amazing smile. "Good!" she said. "Good?" he asked. "That's it? Good? With the way your face is glowing, I'd say it was far better than 'Good'!" Harley laughed, "That obvious?" she asked. "Extremely! Richie would have been pleased to see your reaction."
"He invited me back this weekend, to meet his Mom and daughter. I'll be going with him to the Golden Heart Awards on Monday." Brad's eyebrows went up. "Meeting the fam already? How do you feel about that? I mean you've only had one weekend with him and that was really only one day!" Brad tried to keep his cool about it, but it was difficult. He really didn't want to see her put all her eggs in one basket on her first time out dating. "I'm scared to death! But I'm utterly crazy about him! So I'll do it!" Brad sat forward in his chair and took her hand and she knew this was turning into a very serious talk. "Honey, I know your lonely and I know you miss Tim and desperately want that kind of love and relationship again. But maybe Richie sin't "that" guy." he said. She began to shake her head and started to pull her hand away from his, but he held it tighter. "Just stop and listen to me for a minute, ok?" he asked of her. "Ok, I'm listening, but it's not gonna change anything, Brad!" she informed him.
"Richie has been through so much with his divorce and his dad dying. It's hardened him a bit. Not to mention he has a very big reputation for being a ladies man. All I'm saying is just play the field. Your putting all your eggs in one basket with this one and he may be enthralled with you now, but with him, that could change in a flash. I just don't want to see you hurt in any way. Do you get what I'm saying to you at all, Harley?" Harley understood completely. Brad's warning wasn't anything she hadn't thought of herself. She explained that to Brad. Letting him know that she is fully aware of Richie's past and she wasn't doing anything unguarded. "It just feels good and right at this moment. So please, Brad, relax and let me do this without a constant lecture or chastising me. Please?" Brad nodded and let go of her hand, "Agreed!" he said. "Thank you!" she said. Then going on to tell of her sushi experience, which made Brad laugh. She just wanted Brad to understand that she wasn't jumping into this because she was lonely or trying to replace Tim. She was truly happy and Richie was a wonderful man.

As they were about to place their order, several flashes of camera's started going off in the window. Brad stood up and looked out the window. It was a pure paparazzi fest outside. One of them managed to get inside the restaurant and started yelling at Harley, "Where's Richie tonight, Harley? Are you dating Brad too?". Brad quickly grabbed Harley out of her seat, knowing he had to get her out of there as soon as he could. The manager took them through the kitchen and had a car pull up at the back door to drive them quickly away. Breathless and near tears, as Harley wasn't used to this sort of thing. Brad looked at her, "Are you ok?". Harley nodded and Brad continued, "Honey, this is what your going to go through with him. Are you prepared for this?" A tear streamed down her face, "Yeah, I guess I'll have to be more careful from now on. It will be ok." she tried to reassure him.
"But will YOU be ok?" he asked. "Yes! I just need to call him." When they got to Harley's house, she wasn't able to get into her yard, as there were so many reporters and paparazzi there. They both went to Brad's. He took her inside and got her a drink, "I guess you are staying here for awhile tonight." he told her. "That's fine. They will leave soon." Harley covered with a blanket on the couch and drank her soda. Trying to stop shaking. She couldn't help but wonder if Richie knew this was happening. Should she call him? Not wanting to seem like a little girl who couldn't handle what would come with this, she opted to not call him and wait it out. She never wanted him more.