New Chapter finally

The phone stopped ringing but the mood was broken.

Jon looked down in her flushed face. He had to ask…

“Why did you leave without saying goodbye?” he asked softly.

“I didn’t want to say goodbye. So I wrote the notes and left. If I had waited till you got up, I never would have left.” She told him reaching up to trace his lips with her fingertip.

“So that would be a bad thing?” he kissed her fingertip them licked it.

“I had a deadline…you know what those are like.” She shivered at the touch of his tongue. “I came up there to get rid of my writers block and I got unblocked and it was time to leave.” Watching his head lower till his lips were inches from hers.

“So you left.” He whispered then lowering his lips those few inches and brushed his lips to hers.

“I had too.” She moaned as his lips brushed hers again before moving to her neck. “But not wanted too…I wanted to stay in our little cocoon and never come out till spring thaw.”

“We could have.” He said as he looked up at her hooded eyes.

“No we couldn’t, we both had agendas that were important and needed to be handled and then we had to get back to our normal lives.”

It was like a light came on in her eyes. He knew that light, he had the same light when he talked about recording. From the first idea until it was on paper, recorded and produced. Until that was accomplished life was on hold. That’s why his ex-wife had married one of her staff at the Dojo. By following his dreams he lost a part of that dream that didn’t want to go along for the ride anymore.

“You got your song and I got my book. We were great, but if we were to make it away from there, one of us had to leave.” She watched him get up and move so she could sit up.

“So you left.” He said softly watching her face.

“I left…If it was reversed and I was still there when we woke up, you would have left.” She told him.

Knowing she was right didn’t sit well with him.

“But I would have said goodbye and not left a note.” He mumbled. Closing his eyes he saw what it would have been like. Romeo would have pitched a fit leaving Snowball at the cabin and the drive home would have been ten times worse than it had been. Damn she was right.

“Maybe I was afraid…” She said softly. “Afraid that once real life stepped in things would be so different.” She lowered her head and he could hear the tears in her voice.

“I was afraid too. You awakened things in me that I thought had been asleep for the past year.” He went back over and sat beside her, lifting her chin he looked into her tear washed eyes. “I believe again. Believed that I was Superman and it wasn’t just this old faded tattoo.” Slowly he lowered his head and touched his lips to hers.

Her hands came up for frame his face. Just touching him and the warmth of his face, the texture of his six o’clock shadow that prickled her finger was pure tactile feelings. She got damp just from touching. Slipping her fingers down his neck to his shoulder, she couldn’t get enough of just touching him.

The moved in unison and the pieces seemed to fall into place, they were meant to be right here right now. His hands knew what to touch and her lips knew where to kiss. She watched as he began to roll the condom on, reaching up to assist only to get her hands moved.

“I want this to last darlin, touch me now and it will be all over.” He sifted between her waiting warmth.

This time it wasn’t a cell phone that rang it was the house phone. Jon groaned knowing that…

“Daddy…” came the sleepy voice from upstairs. “Daddy, Snowball’s in my bed!” His five year old son squealed.

“Ah…hell!”

That killed any mood that was left from the first time the cell phone rang. Jon was up condom being rolled down and grabbing his jeans and pulling them on, which took some doing on his fading erection. Alex slowly sat up, looking around to cover her body, spotted his shirt and put it on. Her heart was still racing when she heard Romeo and Snowball bounding down the stairs. Now she wishes they had never left the cabin, where there were no phones and little boys slept through the night.

Chapter 16

“Would you like something to drink?” Jon asked as they walked down.

“A glass of wine would be nice.” She said softly. The view from the windows, once again, taking her breath away. It seemed to draw her across the room. She didn’t know how long she stood there, lost in the lights and the darkness of the night.

Jon watched her from the bar as he selected a bottle of Wine. Damn I haven’t taken her coat…maybe Dot is right…I just don’t think sometimes. He snagged two glasses and the opener and brought them along with the bottle over to the window.

Placing the bottle, opener and glasses on the piano by the windows he went over and put his hands on her shoulders. Lexie leaned back to his chest. He moved a lock of hair away from her neck and slowly put his lips to her neck….she sighed.

He turned her around and unbuttoned her coat and removed it from her body. Letting it fall down her arms to the floor he stepped closer, Lexie’s arms now free from her coat wound up around his neck.

“Did you miss me?” Jon asked her as his lips claimed hers.

The feel of his lips on hers had her melting in his arms. It seemed time stood still… the only sound in the room was their mingled breaths and sound of lips on lips. As they slowly broke away Lexie looked into his passion filled midnight blue eyes she just smiled.

“After a kiss like that you have to ask?” Her fingers were lost in the hair at the nape if his neck. “Yes I missed you. I was really surprised when the Kidd showed up in my chat.”

He laughed a little and looked like a little boy who got his hand caught in the cookie jar.

“Its amazing what you find while surfing Google.” He laughed as he let her move out of his arms.

“I was shocked when one of my regulars asked me why Jon Bon Jovi was in my chatroom…thought you could slip in unnoticed.” She went over and looked at the label on the bottle. She had remembered what type of wine he liked…you learn a lot about a person in three weeks. “You think she would have been upset that we spent three weeks in a cabin in the mountains?” She handed him the bottle and the corkscrew.

He took the bottle and the opener and set to opening the wine.

“Do you tell them everything?” He cocked his head waiting on her answer.

“NO of course not…you don’t tell your fans everything…why should I?” She sat on the sofa and waited on him to join her with their glasses.


Filling both glasses he went and handed her one of the them. Sitting beside her, he thought back to the last night in the cabin…little wine…little music…then?

Taking a sip she looked at him waiting for an answer.

“Jon, you’re stalling…” She sat her glass down on the coaster on the coffee table.

“Your right I don’t…and you shouldn’t.” he said trying to figure out when the tables turned.

“Good answer.” She laughed. She turned on the sofa to look at him. “How did they like the song?” She asked then reached to retrieve her glass; taking a sip she let the taste of the exceptional wine flow across her tongue.

He loved watching her enjoy a glass of wine. It made him tighten in areas that hadn’t tightened since he left the cabin. He almost forgot the question she asked. Taking a drink of his wine he turned to speak.

“Hugh thought it was nice…his way of saying he liked it…Rich on the other hand asked who inspired me. He knew I wasn’t alone at the cabin…but he knew Romeo was not the inspiring love song type.” He chuckled.

I don’t know about that Jon…he had my dog moping the whole way home…if that isn’t love inspiring I don’t know what is.” She laughed. The wine making her more relaxed she slipped off her shoes and curled her legs under her.

Jon leaned forward and took the glass from her hand. Leaning closer he ran his tongue along the corner of her mouth. Sitting back he licked his lips.

“You had a little bit of wine there.” He smiled. Her cologne made him want to pull her down to his chest….slowly they shifted on the sofa until she lay at his side…her arm across his chest…her fingers lost in the hair at the nape of his neck.

“Why don’t you wear your hoops anymore…I used to see you as a pirate…trolling the seas for buried treasure.” She whispered as she touched her tongue to the indention where he had pierced his ears in the early 80’s. “I had a thing for pirates back then.”

“There I thought it did it to piss off my dad.” He chuckled…loving the way her eyes began to change from sea green to emerald as her breath became more shallow.

Reaching up her pulled her head down so he could put her lips to his. They shifted more until she was under him and he had one of his legs between her’s.

“It’s getting a little warm in here…” she moaned.

“Let me help you get cooler.” He smiled as he reached for the hem of her sweater. Slowly pulling it up and as she lifted her head… he pulled it up and over her head dropping it on the floor…”Better?”

“Oh Much…” she sighed. Bringing her hands up to unbutton his shirt helping him shrug it off his shoulders she dropped it with her sweater. “See”

“Oh yeah…” he moaned.

It didn’t take long till they shifted enough to remove all their clothes…their lips hardly parting. Hands rediscovering bodies…bodies shifting to align…minds thinking of only this moment in time…

Somewhere a cell phone rang…

“It’ll go to voice mail…” They both said breathlessly. Then both laughed… real life had a way of breaking the mood… almost…

Chapter 15

Lexie was closing down the laptop and smiled…Kidd hum? When she first saw that he was signed on, she was sort of shocked. Granted they had only been home one day, but he hadn’t called…but then again did I give him the number? She thought as she got up from the desk and nearly tripped over Snowball she was so distracted. Had she given him the number or hadn’t she? Oh well too late now.

“Come on snow lets get your little business taken care of.” She put the little dog in her sweater and snapped the leash to her pink collar; it didn’t take long to get down to the sidewalk. Not many people were out at this time of the night. They headed down Mercer to Bloomingdales; the night doorman always had a treat for Snowball.

All of a sudden Snowball began to pull on the leash.

“Snow honey!” She gasped. It was then she saw a man standing looking up the walk at them. As they got closer she dropped the leash as Snow ran and jumped on the man’s legs. She watched him pick up the over excited little dog, who proceeded to crawl into his jacket.

“Well someone is happy to see me.” Jon laughed as she settled against his chest, her small white head peaking out of the opening.

“I don’t think I would fit.” Lexie laughed.

Jon held out his arms, Lexie moved into the as if she was always meant to be there. His lips touched hers and they both sighed.

“I missed you.” They both said at the same time and laughed.

“When did you get home?” She asked him.

“Not long ago. Romeo was asleep half way home, but woke as I got him in bed, he was asking to see Snowball.” He told her as they walked hand in hand to the door of his building.

“If it means anything, I think, she misses him as much as he misses her.” Lexie said patting the top of the dogs head.

“Want to make them both happy?” He asked her.

Looking at the door and then up into his eyes she smiled.

“Let’s.” She said as she let him open the door for her.

“Tommy? This is Lexie.” Jon introduced her to the doorman.

“Hi Lexie, welcome to the Music Building.” Tommy tipped his hat to her.

“Thank you Tommy.” Lexie smiled as Jon pulled her to the elevator.

The ride up was in silence, just enjoying being together again. Jon squeezed her hand as the elevator stopped at the penthouse. Punching in the security code she heard the lock click as he swung the door open.

The first thing Lexie noticed was the wall of windows looking out on the New York skyline. The sight nearly took her breath away. You could possibly put her whole apartment in his living room.

Jon stood there watching her face in the moonlight coming from the windows.

“Wow, it’s beautiful.” She said softly.

He smile reached his eyes for the first time since he found the note in the cabin.

“Thanks, the windows were the selling point of the place.” He told her as he took Snowball from his jacket and placed her on the floor.

They both stood and watched her sniff the air. Tail wagging she headed to the stairs and ran up.

They both followed her, and were not surprised to see her jump on the bed and lay down in the bend of Romeo’s legs. The little dog sighed and closed her eyes.

“She really missed him.” She whispered as they backed out of the room.

They went back downstairs to the living room.

Chapter Fourteen

Lexie had made it to the townhouse and got unpacked. Glad to be home, Snowball seemed to be looking for something…or was it someone?

Grabbing her home phone she called her editor.

“Hey, yeah I’m home. No it was great.” She listened to her editor asking her questions about the cabin and did it bother her that there was someone else there at the same time. It was then she noticed the flash of messages on her phone.

“Listen Max….I just got home. I still need to unpack. I’ll see you tomorrow when I drop off the disk.” She listened to him trying to get her to stay on the line. “Oops Snowball needs to go out. See you tomorrow Max.” She hung up.

“Snow, I know you miss Romeo…” She said to the little dog lying on the rug with a lost look in her eyes. “I miss him too. But you never know there might be a knock on the door any minute!” She sat on the floor by the sad little puppy. They sat there for over an hour, Lexie really wanted to believe that there would be a knock on the door any minute.



Jon pulled into the parking deck for the townhouse. Asleep in the backseat, Romeo had Snowballs letter still clutched in his hand. Parking in his allotted slot, Jon carefully picked Romeo up and carried him to the parking garage elevator.

“Daddy?” Romeo called to his dad. You could tell he was between stage of being awake and asleep.

“What you need Ro?” Jon asked as the elevator doors slowly opened.

“We go see Snowball today?” He yawned.

“Maybe tomorrow how’s that?” Jon said softly. He carried Romeo in and punched the button to take them to the street level of the garage. Carrying him across the street to the Music building he was glad that the night doorman was there to let him in.

“But snowball not sleep with me tonight. We need Lexie and Snowball.” He slowly let his eyes closed the last of what he said was in a whisper.

“We do Ro, we sure do.” Jon whispered to his sleeping son.

Once in the lobby he made his way to the elevator. The wait was short and soon he was inserting his key and pushing the button for the penthouse floor. The ride was quick and soon he was pushing the door open. Walking up the stairs to the second floor, he went to the room he set up for the kids visits. Laying him down gently on one of the twin beds, Jon pulled the covers back on the second twin bed. Moving his sleeping son to the bed her pulled off his sneakers and pulled the covers up over him, tucking them in he leaned over and kissed his forehead. Standing up he looked down at him, he noticed the letter still clutched in his hand. Careful not to wake him, he slowly slipped the crumpled envelope out of his hand. Placing the envelope on the nightstand, before leaving the room he turned on the Spiderman nightlight. Leaving the door cracked, Jon went into the office and fired up the computer.

It didn’t take long surfing the web to find everything he could on Alexis Maddison.

Alexis Maddison…Forty year old…former children’s writer… first time on the New York Times Best Seller List. Lives in the SoHo district of Manhattan…single.

Well hell he knew all this. Continuing on Google, he read more…Fanclub? He clicked on the link to her fanclub. Dang he had to join to read…what would be a good screen name? Couldn’t be a Jovi name…Kidd? Naugh too many people knew that nickname, dang Richie. But why not, so he filled in all the blanks and boom he was a new member of her fanclub. She was due to have a chat session and questions needed to be submitted. Why did you leave me? Was the first question that came to his mind…she wasn’t supposed to know it as him. Then he got an idea…typed the question and hit submit. Chat was to be at ten he had around an hour to wait. Heading into the kitchen he opened a bottle of Red and let it breath while he pulled out a block of cheddar and box of crackers…nice nosh to tide him over while he waited. Grabbing a tray he sat the food, goblet and the wine and moved back into the living room. The chatroom was filling up; none of the names meant anything to him. Picking up the goblet he sipped the wine and began to read what they were saying he noticed someone had said hi to him.

Sam: Hey Kidd, welcome to chat.

Kidd: Thanks Sam. Newbie here.

Isn’t that what they called new members on backstage?

Sam: The more the merrier. ASL

ASL, ASL, what the hell was ASL? Jon looked at the flashing cursor.

Sam: Thirty Two, Female, Louisiana.

Jon slapped his hand to his forehead…age sex and location…duh! Did I say New York or would that give me away? I could say New Jersey…Connecticut…ah hell.

Kidd: Forty seven, Male, New York.

Sam: We don’t get many men in here…welcome. Hey everyone we have a new member.

Suddenly all these welcomes came up. All of a sudden a new name appeared…it was her! He was sure it was Lexie, the screen name was Snowballsmomma.

Sam: Hey Lexie, we’ve missed you…how’s the new book?


SBM: Finished, on the way to my editor. Have to tell you...look’s like a no rewrite.

Everyone typed WTG and Jon went right along with them.

SBM: We have a lot of questions; let’s get to some of them. First question is from Sam…IS there still talk of a movie deal? Let me say this… yes the talks are still open. I have someone in mind to play Max.

Sam: Jon Bon Jovi?

Jon’s eyes got as big as saucers and he about spewed wine all over the screen. Movie deal, why hadn’t his manager told him? Wiping his mouth on his sleeve he decided not to try anymore wine till the chat was over.

SBM: Well…his name has come up once or twice. We haven’t actually approached his management just yet…but…

Sam: No it has to be Jon…he is the perfect Max.

He knew he liked Sam for a reason. Hadn’t Dorothea told him that if she didn’t know better…he was Max.

He read all the responses to the question and waited for his to be answered. It was almost midnight and it hadn’t been asked. He was getting worried that, him being new to the club it wouldn’t be asked.

SBM: I have time for one more. This one is from Kidd. Welcome Kidd, Kidds question is: Where do you get your ideas from and do you ever get blocked? Well Kidd, I have to say that the ideas come from the least little things. Something in the news or a song title will give me ideas, but writer’s block pops up when you least expect it. Yes I’ve had writers block, I had it with this new book.

That was all she was going to say? Yes she had writers block. Nothing about the cabin and the…wait a second she didn’t even know it was him.

SBM: well friends it’s time to take Snowball out for the last time. Thanks for the great questions and I hope I answered yours tonight. Oh yeah and Kidd…Snowball says hi!

Busted! Jon watched her sign out of the chat. He was just about to sign out himself when Sam sent him a private message.

Sam: Kidd, for a newbie you got your question answered. Don’t know if you know it or not, we meet here every Tuesday night for a private chat, you’re welcome to join us.

Jon smiled and thought about his mom and her old Tuesday night private chats. Would he come back? Why not, he might learn more if he did.

Kidd: Thanks Sam just might do that. Does Lexie come in?

Sam: Sometimes, she hasn’t in months. This was the first chat we have had in a month. She sent us a message she was taking a vacation and would have a chat when she got back.

Kidd: Once again Thanks Sam. Might see you next Tuesday. Got to go, got to work tomorrow.

It was all he could think about to get off the computer. He hoped she bought it.

Sam: Have a nice one Kidd. Don’t work too hard.

Kidd: Bye.

He signed out of the chat room and closed down the laptop. He had learned quite a bit tonight. Then it hit him…snowball needed to go out. Jumping up he checked on Romeo and grabbed his jacket. He was sound asleep, he headed to the elevator. Soon he was outside looking up the street. Was that her walking this way? Shoving his hands in the pocket of his jacket he started walking toward her.

Lucky Chapter Thirteen

Jon knew she was done. He watched her put the end on her story. Slowly he started the song over…sing just for her.

“Two souls lost on a path of destruction…meet and the world stops revolving…” he stopped playing and leaned down and gave her a soft kiss. Sliding down on the floor beside her, leaving the guitar on the sofa, he pulled her onto his lap, his lips still on hers. He didn’t want this week to end. He didn’t want to leave her.

Some how clothes were removed, arms and limbs were entwined right there on the floor. He couldn’t get enough of her. Her legs were wrapped around his hips and he was burying himself in her warm wet body. She was calling his name as her body came up to meet each thrust. Her eyes were so dark green; he was lost in her eyes.

She felt so right. Their bodies joined as if they were meant to be together. His mouth came down on her breast taking the nipple and drew it in deep. She heard her voice crying out his name, her fingers lost in his blond streaked hair. She felt stars bursting behind her tightly closed eyes as she felt him stiffen and release her nipple to throw back his head and cry out his own release.

Slowly moving onto his left side he pulled her to his chest. They lied there the only sounds in the room was the crackle of the fire and their heavy breathing. Slowly he felt himself slip from her body, he noticed her nuzzling his chest he smiled a satisfied and well sated smile. She looked up into his eyes with a smile like the cat that had licked up all the cream. He started to talk, but she laid her finger on his lips. Reaching behind her she pulled the soft cream throw off the sofa and covered them up. Sighing she cuddled to his chest and went to sleep.

Jon never felt this way before. With Dorothea, it had been different. Their first time had been in the back of his fathers Chevy. He didn’t mean for their first time to be on the hard floor, but it had been right. Bending his head down and kissed the top of her head, slowly his eyes closed and he slipped into a satisfied sleep for the first time since he had come to the cabin.

Lexie woke as the sun peeped over the mountain. Slowly she became aware that she was lying on the floor and her body was sore in places it hadn’t been in months. Listening to Jon sleeping beside her, she moved his arm from across her body. She heard him sigh and turn over on his other side. Careful not to wake him she covered him with the throw and went upstairs to pack.

She had to leave. She finished what she had come up here to do. Falling in love with Jon was not on her agenda. When did she fall in love? Was it when he gave her all the time to work on her book and not demand her attention, the time they were in the cabin? Or was it when he took her body and made it do things that no other man could have done? Feeling a tear slowly roll down her face she closed the suitcase and went into Romeos room. Looking down at his sleeping face she picked up Snowball and carried her down and put her in her little carrier. She had the jeep loaded in mere seconds. Stopping long enough to write two letters, she propped them on the counter and walked out of the cabin, but hopefully not out of their life.

Jon slowly started to wake. Something was different. He was lying on the floor. Slowly he started to smile. His mind going back to their passion. He could even remember the feel of his body joined with hers…he could smell her on his body. Stretching his arm reached out and came up with nothing but air. Sitting up he looked around the room, she wasn’t there. Getting up he went up to her room… nothing. The bed was made as if no one had slept there last night. He sniffed the air…nothing. He went into to check on Romeo… he was sleeping the sleep of the innocent.

Coming back downstairs he went into the kitchen…she wasn’t there. It was then he noticed the letters propped up on the counter. One was addressed to him. Going to sit on one of the stools he opened the envelope.

Jon, what can I say? Last night was magical. I knew it would be…so perfect it was scary. But we know it had to end sometime. I finished my book and you finished your song. So our time in our little heaven had to come to an end sometime…( it was here he noticed the wet mark of a tear)…I couldn’t stand to be the one left alone in the cabin. Cowardly of me…but I have been hurt before being the one left…I couldn’t go through with it again. I will think back on our time and remember only the happy times.

This isn’t goodbye but so long. Our paths are bound to cross again and when they do I want you to remember the good times we shared…because they will be in our souls forever.

Love,

Lexie

P.S. the other letter is for Romeo. Please read it to him.

Folding the letter and putting it back into the envelope; he went back into the living room and dressed in his rumpled clothes from the day before. Taking the other letter he went up to Romeo’s room he sat down on the bed and lied his hand on his sons head.

“Ro?” he whispered to his son.

Slowly Romeo opened his eyes. Smiling up at his father, he reached down beside him…where was Snowball? She had been sleeping with him every night since the first night.

“Daddy where is Snowball?” He asked.

“She’s gone home with Lexie.” He said and he ran his fingers through his son’s hair.

“But daddy, she didn’t say goodbye!” Tears were forming in his eyes.

“Sure she did… its right here in this letter.” He wiped the tears off his cheeks.

“Read it to me daddy… please.” He cried.

Opening the envelope he skimmed the letter. Shocked the letter wasn’t from Lexie…it was from Snowball. Ever thinking of his son’s adoption of her dog she had written the letter as if it had come from Snowball.

Romeo, Me and Lexie had to leave this morning. See she came up here to finish her book and she did that last night.

I’m going to miss you very much. But you can come and visit us. We live on Mercer Street in SoHo. It’s near 166 or so the number says in the building. Lexie has loads of cookies and gallons of milk. So come and visit us when you can.

Love ya,

Snowball…

P.S. you can bring your daddy too… if he wants to see Lexie.

“Can we daddy? Can we go see Lexie and Snowball?” He sat up and took the letter from his hand, even though he couldn’t read it.

Jon smiled, reading the letter again over his sons shoulder. Remembering what she had said in his letter their paths would cross.

“Sure Ro, we can go visit them when we get home.” He smiled for the first time since he had read his letter.

They packed the jeep and headed home. Romeo kept opening his envelope and taking the letter out. Jon pulled out his cell and called Hugh.

“Hey Jon, you sound better than the last time we spoke.” Hugh answered the phone.

“Yeah I guess I do. I called to tell you thank you for the loan of the cabin.” Jon pulled on the highway that would take him from the cabin to Lexie.

Hugh listened to the lightness in Jon’s voice that hadn’t been there in two years

“Listen I’m sorry that you didn’t have the cabin alone. Kelly just got off the phone with her uncle. Seems he also loaned out the cabin to a friend of his that is a publicist for some writer.” Hugh told him.

“It’s okay…I got the song done.” He smiled even though Hugh couldn’t see him.

“Where are you?” Hugh asked.

“On the way home.” And he meant it… he was going home to Lexie.

~ ~ ~ ~

this is where my temptation ends...but not on here. I am leaving on Saturday for New Jersey. I doubt I will be able to finish my next chapter. If you are going to be there...I'll see you there. If not...I'll talk to you after the concert of my life.

Alice Faye

Chapter Twelve

“You don’t mind do you?” He asked holding up the black and white guitar.

“No, got ahead. I usually have the stereo on when I work.” She watched him sit on the sofa the guitar in his lap and then notebook on the sofa. Putting the pen in his mouth he started to strum. She sat there for a few minutes her fingers poised over the keyboard. The music flowed from his fingers, a song that she had never heard before. Soon the music touched her soul and her fingers flew again over the keyboard.


This set the stage for the next two and a half weeks went. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were together. He would keep his active son busy while she sat at the computer. She would listen to his song and tell him when the words just weren’t right, and when they were very right.

Tonight he came down after putting Romeo to bed, guitar in hand, he looked over to where she was working. His thoughts went back to that bar, which now seemed like light years away, he could have called Richie to fly in from LA to be with him on, what he thought then, was the worst day of his life. Instead he called Hugh. Hugh had been through the same thing, and he had been Hugh’s support. Returning the favor, Hugh had shown up at the bar, being Jon’s support. If Richie had been there, he never would have met Lexie, or gotten closer to his younger son. He would have to call Hugh when he got home and thank him for everything.

“How’s it going?” He asked as he walked over to the sofa near the desk.

Lexie held up her hand to stop him for a second.

“Good…really good.” She said as she read over the last chapter she had written.

Jon sat the guitar on his lap and smiled.

“When are you gona let me read it?” He asked a he slowly started strumming the new ballad.

“No one reads it before my publicist. Sorry you don’t let anyone hear your cd’s before they hit the store.” She told him. Looking up finally she noticed his smile. “You knew I wouldn’t let you read it, didn’t you?”

“Yep, but I had to try.” He laughed.

Lexie smiled and laughed with him.

Her three weeks were almost over. The thoughts of finishing her book and leaving the cabin made her stop typing. No more Cabin…no more Romeo and worst of all no Jon. These past few weeks had been heaven, she had fallen in love with Romeo, and he had fallen in love with Snowball. It was going to break his little heart when they had to leave and Snowball wasn’t going to their house.

Looking back at the flashing cursor she began to type again. Her thoughts running to all the little stolen moments… the sexual frustration… he hadn’t been ready for a relationship, he had been burned by Dorothea, and she hadn’t been ready either. Randy had really done a number on her. He had a song to write and she had a novel to write.

Typing as she was thinking she suddenly stopped as Jon began to sing. She smiled and started to type again. He had taken her suggestions and changed the lyrics.

They sat like this for another hour when she stopped…it was done…all but the period at the end. Placing the last period she backed up her work and closed the laptop. Getting up she went and sat on the floor by his legs and leaned her head back on the sofa listening to what she wanted to call their song.

Chapter Eleven

Splat, the snowball connected with her back and Lexie gasped. Turning she saw him making another snowball.

“Do it and you will be very sorry.” She told him.

“What ya gona do?” he tossed the ball in the air and catching in.

Looking down at her sweats and slippers she rushed to the door only barely making it as the ball hit the door. Putting down Snowball she ran to the back door and pulled on her boots and coat. It didn’t take long till she had three really big snowballs and making her way around the cabin she snuck up behind him. The first one caught him in the back of the head. Turning he caught the next two in the chest and the crotch in succession.

“What the hel…” He called out as he noticed she was standing there with a shocked oh oh on her face. “You know this means war?” He asked as he saw her bending down and making another snowball.

“No that’s what’s called payback.” She started backing up. “I didn’t have boots or a coat on and there is a huge wet mark on the back of my sweatshirt.” Bending over she made a snowball.

“Oh poor baby. I’ve got two younger brothers and they will tell you there is no fair in a snowball fight.” He said as he tossed the snowball at her.

Hitting on the top of her head and sliding down the back of her coat. No he didn’t play fair, she thought. The war was on; even Romeo was in on it. First one time on Lexie’s side and the next on his father’s side. The wind was starting to whip the snow around them and you could hardly see.

“Time out. Lexie it’s really getting bad out here. We better call a truce and go inside.” He called to her.

Lexie agreed and the three of them rushed to the garage. Shaking off the snow and stomping it off their boots, they went inside where it was warm.

They went up to change out of their wet clothes. Jon got them both changed and by the time they both got down Lexie had milk on for the hot chocolate and was opening a can of tomato soup. Normally it took Dorothea hours to get changed. She would have had to take a hot shower and then dried her hair before coming down to ask the maid to cook them some lunch. Lexie stood there in dry sweats and her slippers with her hair up in a towel.

“Can I help?” He said walking into the kitchen.

“Yeah get the butter and the cheese out of the fridge for me.” She turned as he spoke. He did as she asked and they worked together making lunch for the three of them.

Setting down at the bar again, she listened to him talk about the new album he and Richie were working on. He was working on a new song when… and them he stopped. He didn’t want to get into why he wasn’t able to write the only ballad that he wanted on every record. It was too fresh, the divorce and the wedding being on the same day.

Lexie noticed the cloud cover his normally bright blue eyes. Feeling him slowly pull away, she tired to change the subject, telling him she loved the Lost Highway Cd. But his only answers were yes and no. She let the subject die and they finish their lunch in silence.

Jon was so lost in thought that he missed Romeo slowly lowering his head to the table.

“I think someone needs a nap.” Lexie told him as she went around and picked him up.

Jon shook off his thoughts and went to take Romeo out of her arms.

“I’ll be back and help you clean up.” He said as he walked out of the room.

After cleaning up the lunch dishes, he still hadn’t come back. Moving into the living room she went back to the computer. Slowly this time the words came. She heard him coming downstairs, she stopped typing. He held his acoustic guitar in one hand and a notebook in the other.

Chapter Ten

Lexie shook her head at him. He has three more at home? She thought with a shock.

“I don’t have any cookies Romeo.” She slowly let her arms drop from his waist.

“Yeah we do, I forgot kids in a bakery is not a good thing.” He pointed to the bag on the breakfast bar. Walking over to the bag he pulled out the four dozen cookies and the lemon cream pie.

“I guess we do have cookies.” She laughed. “Would you like milk with that cookie?”

“Yes please.” Romeo smiled up at her.

Jon helped him up on the stool and handed him a chocolate chip cookie on a napkin, as Lexie got him a cup of milk.

“Two daddy, one for me and, one for Snowball.” He pointed to his little fuzzy friend.

“Oh, no Romeo, she can’t have people cookies.” Lexie went to the bag of dog treat sitting by the fridge and got out one of Snowballs doggy cookies. “She has her own cookies.”

Romeo watched in fascination as the little dog begged for her treat and barked on command, when Lexie held the cookie up over her head.

Once the cookies and treats were gone, Lexie finished with the groceries. Listening to Jon and Romeo talking she had a thought come to her. This was perfect; she had her next chapter forming in her mind. Turning to look at father and son having a cookie dunking contest, she had to get them out of the cabin to work.

“Romeo, why don’t you and your dad go out and build me a snowman?” She went back to the fridge and pulled on a long carrot. “No one has ever built me a snowman before. The snow gets so dirty in New York City, I never see snowmen being built.”

Romeo scrambled down off the stool and snatched the carrot.

“Come on daddy, we build a big snowman for Lexie!” He grabbed Jon’s hand and pulled him to the garage.

“Let me get my coat on son.” Jon laughed as he grabbed his navy blue pea coat off the hook by the door. Pulling on his blue cap he fished in his pocket for his gloves. Then it hit him, they were being conned out of the house. She must have an idea for her story. There were times when he needed quiet to work on a song or lyrics, so he understood her wanting peace and quiet while she worked.

“Hang on son, let me get my gloves, I must have dropped them in the kitchen.” He turned back to the kitchen where Lexie stood waiting on them to leave.

“When you get done, knock on the window. I’ll keep him out as long as you need.” He smiled and gave her a quick kiss and then he was gone.

Raising her hand to her lips she sighed. The things he did to her.

Rushing to the computer, before she forgot the thoughts running through her head. Letting the thoughts run from her mind to her fingers to the computer keys. She typed until there were no more thoughts to type. Going back and reading what she had typed she smiled. This was good, better than good this was no re-write good.


Looking down at the time on her monitor she gasped. They had been out there over an hour. Getting up she went to the window and peeked out. The snowman was very tall and they were putting the nose on. Quickly going to the door she opened it and walked out on the porch to admire it up close.

“Wow! I have never seen a more well built snowman in my whole life. Thank you Romeo.” She called out to them.

“We’re almost done Lexie.” Romeo called to her. His nose was so red he could pass for Rudolph’s brother.

“Hurry up; I’ll make us Hot Chocolate and some sandwiches. You two look very hungry.” She rubbed her arms trying to get warm. The snow was starting to fall faster and the sky looked very dark. “When did it start snowing so hard?”

“About a few minutes ago. Looks like we are going to get a few feet tonight.” Jon told her. His cheeks and nose were very red and he had a fuzzy white head peeking out of his jacket.

“Want me to bring her in with me? You must be freezing.” She walked down the stairs to wait for him to hand her Snowball.

Jon took the little dog out from his coat and handed her to Lexie. Watching her turn to go back inside he got an evil thought. Collecting some of the snow off the rail he made a perfect snowball and tossed it at her back.

Chapter Nine and yes they finally kiss! LOL

Lexie had gotten about six chapters typed when she saw the Jeep come into the drive. Quickly saving her manuscript she logged off and shut down the computer. Putting the disk into the desk drawer for safe keeping, she rushed out to meet them in the garage.

Looking at the bags in the back she laughed.

“Did you buy them out?” She asked Jon as he got out of the jeep.

“Not much, it was a little bigger than it looks on the outside.” He laughed in return.

Romeo knocked on the window on his side of the car. Lexie went over and helped him out of the car.

“Lexie…we saw you at the store.” He told her as he ran after Snowball who flew out the door and out the garage.

“What? Romeo, keep and eye on her…don’t let her out of the gate.” She called as boy and dog ran around to the front.

Jon didn’t have to worry the whole way back to the cabin…Romeo took care of it for him.

Lexie looked puzzled at Jon.

“What did he mean about seeing me at the store?” She asked him.

“They have a book stand at the store.” He told her.

“Oh!” she let what he told her sink in. Well now he knew.

“Your number three on the New York Times Best Seller.” He handed her the copy of the book he bought.

“Wow, number three hum?” She looked at the copy of The Case of the Missing Singer.

“Yeah, Shelly said she has your next book on pre-order at Amazon.” He walked past her carrying one of the bags.

Lexie went to the back of the Jeep and tossed the book in one of the bags and carried it into the kitchen. Neither of them spoke as they carried in the remaining bags. The silence was deafening through the unpacking and putting away the groceries.

“Look, I wasn’t expecting to share these three weeks…Have you ever had writers block?” She finally broke the silence. “I don’t go around introducing myself as Alexis Maddison…Mystery writer.”

Jon didn’t say anything…why was she so mad? Didn’t she know who he was when she said Oh God this morning?

“My editor suggested I come up here, rest, read a good book, get over my writes block.” She tossed him the lettuce for the fridge. “So this Shelly won’t have to ask for her money back, when it doesn’t get done.”

Catching the lettuce missile she had launched at him, putting it in the fridge and grabbing the bag of tomatoes before she could throw each of them at him. He listened to her rant about not being able to write, breakup of her romance with some dude that didn’t appreciate her working long hours on the next book till he couldn’t listen to it anymore. Noticing her standing there putting the toilet tissue roll in a headlock he went over and quietly took the roll from her hands. Putting one hand on each side of her face he pulled her in for a hard kiss.

Lexie gasped as he pulled her face to his, not really prepared for the hot kiss she was receiving. On their own accord her arms came up to circle his neck. Tongues battling for the correct position, they were both lost in the kiss.

When he finally broke the kiss they were both breathing heavy. Looking at her closed eyes, slightly swollen lips he registered his own hard beat of his heart.

Slowly she opened her eyes.

“Wow.” She breathed. “What was that for?”

Jon got lost in the emerald green of her eyes.

“Don’t you know, your not suppose to squeeze the Charmin?” He told her and watched her eyes grow puzzled. “You just looked like you needed being kissed silly.”

She thought about what he said. Kissed Silly, so that’s what it means. She took a step back and then remembered her arms were still wrapped around his neck. When he came with her when she backed up he smiled. Blushing she removed her hands. Stepping back again, Jon followed her. Reaching back she grasped the handle of one of the kitchen drawers for support.

“We better finish putting this stuff away.” She whispered, as he boxed her in to the cabinet.

“Later.” Was all he said as her brought his lips back to hers.

Jon placed his hands on her hips and pulled her up against his body. She was the perfect height; he didn’t need to bend down to kiss her. Letting go of her death grip on the drawer handle she slipped her arms around his waist holding on for dear life. Their body’s moving against each other, as if trying to get as close as possible with their clothes still on. All Jon could think about, was how he could easily carry her upstairs to his room and dispense with all these clothes. Neither of them heard the kitchen door open.

“Daddy, can me and Snowball have a cookie?” Romeo asked tugging on Jon’s belt loop of his jeans

Lexie couldn’t move. Jon slowly counted to ten then and smiled at Lexie. “And, I have three more at home.”

Chapter Eight *some adult situations*

Oh, oh, that was it. Picking up a dozen of each he added them to the flowing cart. Followed by cupcakes, that looked like her fuzzy dog and a huge lemon cream pie. Then he noticed a display of paperback books, he needed one. He pulled the cart into the area and handed Romeo a kids book as he looked over the titles. He was drawn to the new top ten on the best sellers list. Patterson…no….Gerrutsen….no….There it was the number three on the list…Max Conners Private Eye…Book two. He had read book one while on the Lost Highway tour. Handing the book to Romeo, so it didn’t get it messed up, They headed to the register when Romeo called out to him.

“Daddy…Lexie!

Stopping the cart he looked around the store for her.

“Where do you see her Ro?” He asked his son still looking around the area. Maybe she forgot to add something to the list and came herself.

“Here daddy…on here!” He handed the book to Jon.

Jon looked puzzled at the book in his hand. Turning it over he saw the picture. It wasn’t a new shot, but the lady Lexie in the chalet was the same Lexie on the back cover of the book he was holding. Alexis Maddison… Now he placed the face with a name he knew.

“So it is Ro…wonder why she never told us?” He laughed as he pushed the cart into the first open register. As the bag boy unloaded the cart he read the bio in the back of the book.

Alexis Maddison…new writer, who wrote children’s books for two years, before turning her head to murder mysteries. Receiver of several children’s awards, Miss Maddison will soon take her Max Conners books to the silver screen. Miss Maddison lives in the SoHo district of New York and you can contact her at www.MaxConners.com.

The cashier held her hand out for the book.

“Sorry.” He said as he handed her the book.

“Lexie!” Romeo called out as she slid the book over the scanner.

“Yeah, I love her books too. Just wish she would get the next one out. I have it on pre-order at Amazon.” The cashier told them. “You know, if there really was a Max Conners, you two would be twins.”

Jon laughed but blushed; Dorothea had told him the same thing after she read his copy.

“My ex said the same thing.” He told her as he pulled out his debit card.

Once the transaction was completed the cashier handed him the receipt and smiled.

“Come back anytime, Mr. Bon Jovi. It’s been a long time since we had any celebrities in here.” She gave him her special smile.

Reading the nametag she wore he smiled back.

“Thanks Shelly. We will.” He pushed the cart full of grocery bags to the jeep.

Once loaded he got Romeo in his seat and jogged to his side of the car and climbed in.

The whole way back to the chalet, he thought about confronting Lexie with the evidence that she was a best selling author. Should he or shouldn’t he… he was not sure what would happen if she knew he knew who she was. He still wasn’t sure when he pulled into the garage.

Chapter Seven

“Puppy wanted to come with us.” He said as he unzipped his jacket and a small white head peeped out.

“Oh, Son,” He shook his head. “I don’t think Lexie wanted her dog to come to the store with us.”

“But Daddy, she wanted to come with us.” He told him with a pout.

Not to have his mind changed by his son’s pout, Jon shook his head. He put the jeep in reverse and backed up the drive to the sidewalk.

Lexie walked over to the desk in the living room and brought her laptop out from under it. Booting up the computer she brought up the chapters she had written before she arrived at the cabin. In her honest opinion it sucked. Highlighting the text she deleted what she had written. Staring at the blank screen with the blinking cursor she sighed. Then her fingers began to fly over the keys.

She had typed six pages when she noticed out the window Jon’s jeep backing up the drive. Rushing to the door, she opened the door before he could knock. It was then she noticed Snowball in his arms.

“How did she…” She started.

“Romeo, he loves your dog. Said she wanted to go to the store with us.” Jon handed the dog over to her.

Lexie laughed and hugged the dog to her.

“I think the feelings are mutual.” She told him.

“Well…” he started.

“Be careful…” She said looking at the gray sky….”Looks like more snow.”

Jon looked up at the sky.

“We should be back before it snows.” He said as he jogged back to the jeep, throwing up a hand to wave goodbye.

Lexie stood there until she saw the jeep pull though the gate. Shaking her head she looked down at her little dog.

“This is going to be a long three weeks, Snowball.” She closed the door and put the dog down. Going back to the laptop she read over what she had written. Better, much better. Of course it was easy to write when her hero Max Conners was on the way to the store this very minute. Jon…Max…why hadn’t she seen this before?

~ ~ ~
Jon parked the jeep. He got Romeo out of the seat; they headed into the small country grocery store. Grabbing the closest cart he placed Romeo into the seat. Noticing, soon he would be too big to ride in the little seat. Pulling out the list he started in the produce department. He was in the middle of choosing potatoes, when he felt he was being watched. Damn, he had forgotten the sunglasses and ball cap. Snatching a five pound bag he tossed it in the cart. Moving to the next item on the list he tried to stay calm. Maybe he was imagining someone watching him, who would know he was even here? He next saw the wine, but there wasn’t any on the list. Picking up two bottles of Pinot Grigio and one of Zin he added them to the cart. Moving along filling the cart with items on the list and some that weren’t, after all he was paying wasn’t he? He was just about through with the list when he headed into the bakery department. What was it Dorothea had told him about the bakery department?

“Daddy…cookies!” Romeo called out.

Chapter Six

“You sure can, and my name is Lexie.” She told him.

Looking over at Jon she waited on him to tell her how he wanted his eggs.

“My name is Romeo.” He told her.

“Well Romeo, you think we can get your dad to fix the toast?” They both turned to Jon in unison.

“Toast I can do.” He got off the stool and went to the toaster. So her name was Lexie…that still didn’t ring a bell.

Lexie scrambled him the one egg and put it on a plate with two strips of bacon. Grabbing one slightly over done piece of toast, she cut it in half and handed him the plate. Adding a glass of milk to his plate,.

“Thank you Lexie.” Romeo said as he dove into his breakfast.

“You’re very welcome.” She turned back to the bowl and broke four eggs in it. By the time she had them cooked she split them between two plates. Giving him the once over she added four strips of bacon to his plate and three on hers. Well there went her lunch; she would have to do with peanut butter and jelly. Looking over at the stack of bread she scratched the sandwich.

Jon took the plate from her and sat beside his son.

“Thanks, I really appreciate this.” He watched her pour them both a cup of coffee and waved off the milk and sugar.

After handing him the cup she sat beside him on the remaining stool. They ate in silence for a while until Romeo had finished his plate.

“Go play in the snow now Daddy?” He wiped the milk mustache off with is sleeve. Jon winced and handed him one of the napkins on the bar.

“In a minute son, let me finish my coffee. Why don’t you go get on your boots and bring down your coat?” He helped him off the stool and watched him run out of the room, followed by Snowball.

Once he was out of the room he turned to Lexie.

“Listen, thanks for breakfast. I know this wasn’t planned, but why don’t we work this out. I had planned on hitting the store for provisions, we ate your food, you make a list of what we need for the three weeks, I’ll pay.” He watched her face for a reaction.

Lexie thought it over and shrugged her shoulders. Why not since they had ate not only her breakfast but her lunch too. So it looked like the three of them were going to be here for three weeks.

“Look I can grill a mean steak and make an omelet, and you can see I can’t make toast…I know you aren’t the cook, but take pity on my son. If it wasn’t for you he would have lived off grilled cheese and soup for three weeks.” He turned on the famous Bongiovi charm.

Lexie rolled her eyes, but he was winning her over. How hard can it be, cook three meals a day and write her book? She was crazy, but how could she let that precious little boy eat nothing but grilled cheese and soup.

“Okay, I give up.” She figured while they were gone she could write, and while he is out side with Romeo she could squeeze in a few chapters. This just might work.

“Great, you make a list and we’ll hit the store.” He grabbed his and Romeo’s plates and put them in the sink, and he was out of the kitchen as Romeo came down the stairs.

He had on his coat and the two of them were heading out the door when Romeo turned to her…

“You come with us Lexie?” He waited for her answer.

“No, you and your Dad go; I’ve got some things to do here.” She said thinking about the sink of dishes waiting to be cleaned. She then handed him the grocery list of food that they would need.

“What have you got to do, the place is clean.” Jon added as he waited on her to join them.

“Well, I have this book…” She told him as she shooed them out of the cabin.

“Okay, I understand…little quiet and a good book…We’ll be out of your hair for a while.” He let her usher them to the garage.

“Take your time, the list is long.” She said as she closed the door between them.

Jon laughed and rolled his eyes.

“You think she wanted us gone, Ro?” He helped Romeo into the jeep. Getting in he, started the Jeep after opening the garage as they backed out. They were just about to the gate when he heard a whimper. Stopping he looked over at Romeo and noticed his coat had a bulge that moved.

Chapter Five

Lexie looked at the hand, then the man. Slowly, what he said sunk in.

“I think you got this all wrong. I am not the cook.” She told him. “I am renting this place for the next three weeks.”

“So am I or so are we.” He looked her over once again this time closer. He had seen her somewhere. It was driving him crazy. She wasn’t a fan, but she knew who he was, he loved solving puzzles.

“There must be some mistake; my boss rented this cabin for me.” She told him still not taking the proffered hand. “You must have the wrong cabin.” She turned and walked back into the kitchen, leaving him standing there with his mouth open.

Jon shook his head and followed her into the kitchen.

“If I’m at the wrong cabin, then how did I park in the garage and open the back door?” He went and sat on the stool by his son.

“I don’t know, maybe it’s a fluke and your supposed to be at the next cabin.” She tried to rationalize the both of them being at the same cabin.

“Daddy, me hungry.” Romeo tugged on Jon’s shirt. Looking up at Lexie, he gave her a pout, “Lady, Me hungry.”

Lexie looked into the little boy’s eyes, the same blue as his fathers. One look and she was lost on the pout.

She smiled at him.

“Would you like some eggs and bacon?”

The pout was gone and his smile went right up to his sparkling eyes.

“Yes, please. Can you make messy eggs?” He cocked his head wondering if she could.

“He means scrambled.” Jon told her.

“I understood. One messy egg or two, sir?” She asked

“One, lady, can I have toast too?” He was so cute, she couldn’t bring her self to tell him no.

Chapter Four

Jon slowly became aware of a cold wet object tickling his chin, but came fully awake as the cold wet object licked him. Slowly opening one eye at the time, he heard Romeo giggle as a small white fuzzy dog licked him again.

“Well, hello and who might you be?” Jon scooped up the dog and looked at his son. “Where did the dog come from, Ro?” He sat up and handed the wiggling dog to his sons open arms.

“Downstairs. I smelled bacon and went down and there it was.” Romeo hugged the dog. “Can we keep it?”

Jon sniffed the air. Sure enough he smelled bacon cooking. Hugh didn’t tell him a cook came with the rental. Good, that meant they wouldn’t be living on grilled cheese and soup for the three weeks they were staying. Sliding off the bed, he brushed the hair out of Romeo’s eyes.

“Let’s get washed up and see who is cooking? This little fuzz ball must belong to them.” He walked his son into the hall bathroom.

Lexie went back into the living room to look for Snowball. The towel was there but no dog. She gave a whistle and heard the dog barking from upstairs.

Jon heard the whistle and watched the dog struggle out of Romeo’s arms. Romeo not liking the defection of his new dog ran out after it.

Lexie laughed as the little dog ran past her into the kitchen. Looking up, hearing the pounding of little feet, she gasped as the small blond boy came bounding down the stairs.

“Puppy come back.” He yelled.

“Where did you come from?” She asked as the little boy ran after Snowball into the kitchen.

“You must have been absent that day in school when they talked about the birds and the bees.” Came the laughing voice from the top of the stairs.

Lexie turned at the sound of the voice and stared into the bluest eyes she had ever seen. She knew those eyes, and she knew that voice.

“Oh my God!” She gasped.

“No, the name is Jon, but I have been called that before.” He chuckled. “You must be the cook.” He walked up to her and held out his hand.

Chapter Three

It was almost two in the morning when he pulled up the drive. Looking over at Romeo, asleep in the back, he grabbed the remote and opened the second door to the four-car garage. Snow had been falling hard when he got closer to the chalet, he didn’t bother to notice the other jeep parked in the garage. He carried Romeo in and put him on the sofa in the living room. He didn’t even wake up. Jon went back out and hauled in the two suitcases. Once he put them in the second bedroom, he went back down and carried Romeo up and put in bed. Feeling worn out, he fell across the other bed in the room and was asleep in seconds.

Lexie was awaken by a low growl coming from Snowball. Getting on her robe she opened her room door and went downstairs to looked around. After checking the door locks she shook her head at the small dog.

“See, there isn’t anything, must have been the wind.” She yawned and went back upstairs.

Snowball sniffed along the upstairs hallway, growling as she went.

“Snowball, get in here.” She called the dog, which turned and ran back into the room where she stood. Leaving the door open, Lexie got back into the bed. Listening to the wind rattling the windows, she fell back asleep.

~ ~ ~

Once her inner clock woke her up, Lexie got dressed and took Snowball out to do her business. Once that was done, she went in and cleared out the ashes from her fire the night before. Once that was done, she turned on the stereo and went into the kitchen and started breakfast.

Romeo slowly woke to the smell of bacon cooking. Getting up, he didn’t wake his father; he followed the smell of bacon downstairs. His attention once down the last of the steps was the small white fuzzy dog lying on a beach towel. Snowball finding a new playmate, let Romeo pick her up and take her back upstairs. Climbing onto the bed with his father, Romeo put her on Jon’s stomach. Snowball finding this fun, she walked up Jon’s chest and put her cold nose on his chin.

Chapter two

Hugh sat at the bar with Jon as he seemed to be drowning his sorrows. This was his second anniversary of his divorce and for some reason this one was worse, must be because his Ex was getting married today. Dorothea and her divorce attorney were to be married at one in the afternoon. Here he was at one thirty having his fifth Jack on the rocks.

Hugh watched him lift his fingers for another round. Reaching out a hand to touch Jon’s arm, he felt it tremble.

“Hey, don’t you need to be home when they drop off Romeo?” Hugh asked him, hoping that he would stop with the fifth drink.

“I’m fine Dad; you of all people know I can hold my liquor.” Jon answered the question but still held his hand up for another round.

“Holding it and driving back to the house is different. Do you really need any bad press on Dorothea’s wedding day?” Hugh questioned.

Jon thought on what Hugh was saying. Did he want to cause a scene? Ruin her day, as she had ruined his? But did she ruin it? They had joint custody of the kids; he let her have the house on the river. Seeing as how the kids lived with her and he got them on the weekends, everything was working until Stephanie told him about the wedding date.

He put his hand down and turned to Hugh.

“Okay, So, I don’t need the drink.” He told Hugh.

“Listen, what you need to do is get out of town while they’re gone. Kelly has an Uncle who has a chalet in the mountains. I have the key and the garage opener in the car. Why don’t you head up there and take Romeo.” Hugh put his hand in his jacket pocket and pulled out a set of keys. “There’s snow up there and Romeo needs a little extra time. He didn’t want to stay with the others at Greg’s parents.”

Romeo seemed to be having a hard time accepting Greg as his new step-dad. Staying with his parents seemed to be out of the question. His own parents were in Florida and were getting ready for a cruise. They couldn’t take Romeo. So, Jon told them he could take care of him while they were gone. Jon swirled the ice in his empty glass, snow and his son sounded better than sitting in the townhouse feeling miserable.

It didn’t take Jon long to agree with the plan. He got the key, garage opener and directions to the chalet. Once Romeo was delivered to the townhouse, he had the Jeep loaded and they were on the road within an hour.

Chapter One

The snow was starting to come down really hard. The map said that the road to the cabin was right around the corner, but what did Mapquest know about driving in the mountains in the snow?

“Go ski, drink hot chocolate by the fire, read a book…just get the hell out of town.” Max her boss had told her.

Lexie had been working on her book for over a month and she was blocked. She never got blocked, but after the breakup with her now ex-boyfriend, she couldn’t even put three words of love together without bursting out in tears.

“My wife’s family friend owns a cabin up in the Adirondacks.” He held the key in his hand when he had made the suggestion.

So here she was, alone but the pet cage in the backseat, heading down mountain roads. As she got to the next exit she slowed down. Did that sign say Shasta Road, she put on her blinker and made the right turn up the incline. Thank God she had borrowed her bosses Jeep, the road was turning slick.

“Where the hell was my mind when I agreed to head up here Snowball?” She asked the pet carrier in the back seat.

Slowing down she made the right turn into the driveway. Her headlights reflected off the gate. Reaching over to her briefcase she pulled out the slip of paper with the gate code on it.

“Shit!” She cursed when the cold icy air hit her face. Reaching out to the key pad she punched in the code. Slowly, due to the mounded snow the gate opened. Rolling up the window, she slowly edged the Jeep through the opening and headed up the driveway.

“Okay Snowball, were almost there,” Hearing a whimper from the carrier. She nearly drove the Jeep into a snow bank when the cabin came into view. “Cabin hell, this isn’t a cabin…it’s a chalet.” She stopped and pulled out the garage opener and pressed the button. The front door of a four-car garage opened she drove in.

When she got back she was going to give Max a piece of her mind. This didn’t belong to a family friend of his wife; he had to have rented this just for her. Turning off the Jeep she turned to the carrier.

“Well Snowball, home sweet home for the next three weeks.” She opened the door, the garage was ice cold. Quickly she got the car unloaded and then went to open the pet carrier. Nothing happened when the little door opened. “Come on Snow, I’ll open a can of your favorite food if you’ll come out.”

She tried to coax the small animal out of the carrier. Leaving it sitting on the floor of the kitchen, she went about unloading the eco-shopping bags she had brought from her SoHo apartment. Still in her snowsuit and boots she filled the cupboards and the industrial fridge. Once that was done she opened the small rolling suitcase and started taking out Snowballs dish and water bowl. Once that was sat on the floor filled with minced steak from last night’s dinner and fresh water, she noticed a little pink nose poking out of the carrier. Shaking her head she walked past the carrier and headed into what she was told was the living room. Reaching for the door, she bumped her boot on the carrier and a small fuzzy white dog ran to the bowls and started to eat.

Continuing into the living room, she walked to the thermostat and turned the heat on. Looking around the white on white room she drew in her breath, it was beautiful. Crossing the white carpet she headed to the stairs. Once she had a look around, she would bring in her suitcase and unpack. There were four bedrooms and two baths. Picking the room with the in-suite bathroom, she went back down stairs to the kitchen. Snowball would need to go out to do her business.

“Good girl, lets go do our business and then figure out how to start a fire.” She grabbed her keys and went into the garage.

Finding a snow shovel, she went out to the front of the cabin and started shoveling a path to the nearest tree. Snowball stood in the driveway and watched her clear a path to her bathroom. Whimpering and scampering along the frozen grass she made a beeline to the tree and quickly got her business done, and scampered back to the driveway.

“Okay, now that’s done let’s get in and get warm.” Lexie followed the little white dog back into the garage.

When she had moved into her apartment she noticed the lease said she could have a small pet. The landlord told her about a boutique dog store, but instead, she had gotten directions to the local humane center. Walking along looking into the pens she noticed a small white ball of fur. That was her dog! Quickly filling out all the adoption papers, she finally brought the little dog home. Along the way it had started to snow and the little dog sitting on her lap began to bark at the falling snow hitting her windshield.

“Okay Snowball, big ferocious killer that you are…” Then it hit her she had just named her dog…Snowball.

Once the mandatory stop at the boutique dog store, she bought a carrier, bowls, food, puppy pads, and the cutest dog sweater in the shop. Tucking the dog into her coat, she carried in the bags, and brought the dog into her new home.

Drying her off she watched Snowball walk into the white living room and curl up on the beach towel Lexie had brought. Making a little den for herself she looked up at Lexie and began to whimper again.

“Okay, I get the hint.” Lexie said as she read the directions that were sent along with the map the cabin. Making sure the damper was open, she put the logs in the grate and rolls of old newspaper. Finding the matches in the box on the mantle, she started the fire. Replacing the screen in front of the fire, she moved to the windows and looked out at the dark cold landscape. Softly falling snow fell along the path to the tree, good thing she had brought the puppy pads, if this kept up she would be cleaning the little path the whole three weeks.

Slowly turning back around she looked about the spacious living room. She noticed the 52 inch flat screen TV over the fireplace mantle, state of the art stereo system, game console, and a huge mahogany desk. So this is how the rich live, she thought. Max had told her once this third installment of the detective series, she would have enough money to buy her own vacation home. She had automatically pictured herself sitting on a private beach on an island somewhere. Now looking at this place, she could see herself here along with Snowball and where did those children come from? Shaking her head she left Snowball curled up in front of the fire and went up to her bedroom to unpack and change into her pj’s.