Chapter 17

Faith found her dress in a heap on the living room floor and Richie's shirt and pants out on the patio. She put his shirt on as her dress was wrinkled beyond repair. She busied herself in the kitchen, cleaning up the mess from the night before and making coffee. When she finished she sat down at the table with her coffee. She felt herself flush as she glanced at the chair opposite hers and what had happened only hours before. She couldn't get over how wanton she had acted last night. She and Billy had had a healthy sex life, but it was no where near what she had shared with Richie. Just the thought of his name made her heart beat a little quicker. Where can this possibly go though? She wasn't sure she would fit in his world or even if he really wanted her to. Sure, they had spent a couple of nice days together and then last night, but they really didn't know each other. She sighed and put her coffee cup down. "One day at a time" she told herself as she got up and put her cup in the dishwasher. She made Richie some breakfast and left in the warming oven, traded his shirt for her dress and headed home.


******************************

Richie picked his head up and, judging from his position on the bed, knew he was alone. He looked around the room and knew she was gone. Dammit. He sat up and rubbed his hands over his face and through his hair. What was he going to do about her? He got up, pulled on some shorts and went downstairs. Maybe she hadn't left yet. In the living room he found his shirt and pants laying across the arm of the couch and a pair of lacy black panties half under the couch. Guess I'll have to return those. He smiled to himself and walked into the kitchen, following the scent of coffee. There was a cup set out for him with a note propped up by it.

Richie-

I had to go pick up Hannah. Thanks for 'dinner' it was wonderful. I left breakfast warming for you. Have a good day.

Faith


Richie moved to the oven and found a plate of French toast waiting for him. He took it to the table with his coffee and sat down in the same chair that Faith had occupied earlier. He chuckled to himself as he glanced at the opposite chair. He shook his head, she was going to dominate his thoughts all day. Richie thought about her as he ate. He liked her, she was bright, funny, fearless it seemed, independent, beautiful, sexy. Hell, what's not to like he thought. He took his dish to the sink, refilled his coffee and went to take a shower. He was going to have to pay Faith a visit this afternoon.

Faith showered when she got home, not wanting to smell like Richie and sex when she picked up Hannah. Ms. Betty couldn't help but notice the smile on Faith's face and the glow about her. "Did you have a nice time dear?" "I had a wonderful time." Ms. Betty smiled, "I can tell." Faith's cheeks reddened, "is it that obvious?" "Only because of your smile. I haven't seen you smile like that in forever." "I like him Ms. Betty, I like him a lot." She looked conspiratorily at Ms. Betty, "you know what, I think he likes me too." Ms. Betty huffed, "well of course he likes you. You are a beautiful smart young woman. What's not to like?" Faith gave her a hug, "thank you. I love you you know." "Go on with you now." She watched as Faith and Hannah crossed the street and sent up a silent prayer, let this be the one.


When the doorbell rang later that afternoon Hannah ran to answer it. "Who is it?" she called out with out opening the door. Richie was impressed. Ava didn't do that no matter how many times they told her to ask first. "Its Richie" he answered. Hannah peeked through the sheer curtained window alongside the door. Richie waggled his fingers at her and she opened the door. "Hi! Did you bring Ava with you?" He smiled down at the pretty little girl, "not today honey, she is with her mom." Her face fell with disappoinment, "oh." Richie crouched down in front of her, "hey" she looked at him, "I'll bring her next time, okay?" Hannah gave him a big smile, "okay. Do you want to come in?" "Is your mom here?" "She's out back. I'll show you." She led him through the small but well-kept house out to the backyard where Faith was mowing the lawn. Does she ever stop he wondered as he watched.


Faith had her headphones on and was singing as she made the passes with the mower. Whoa oh, we're halfway there. Richie smiled as she got closer and he saw her mouth moving and realized she was singing. Faith looked up and saw him sitting in a chair on her patio. She let the handle of the mower go and it stopped and the final note of the song fell out of her mouth. "Just how long have you been sitting there?" Richie laughed, "since about we're halfway there" he sang out in perfect pitch. "Oh God, you caught me again. This is really embarrassing." They stood looking at each other. He wanted to kiss her, but he couldn't be sure that Hannah wasn't watching from somewhere. Faith broke the silence. "So, what brings you to my backyard?" She sat down at the umbrella table and finished her lemonade. He joined her. "You left something at my house and I thought I should return it." Faith had no idea what she could have left there. He pulled her underwear from his pocket. She figured she turned seven shades of red when she realized what it was that he handed her. She quickly stuffed them in her shorts pocket. "Sorry about that." Richie grinned, "no problem, it gave me a reason to see you again today. Besides, I think we need to talk." Faith looked up at him then, "talk about what?"

Chapter 16

They walked into Richie's bedroom and Faith just stopped and stared, trying to take it all in. It was like an oasis, all cream and blue. It was beautiful. "It's like being on an island in the middle of nowhere." Richie smiled, "that was the idea." She moved further into the room, "I wouldn't ever want to leave if I had a room like this." He came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her and hooked his chin over her shoulder, "well for the next eight hours, you don't have to go anywhere." He turned his head and nuzzled her neck. Richie's hands moved from her waist to her chest, where she had the towel tucked around her. The towel fell away and Richie cupped her full breasts, thumbs teasing the hardened tips.

He ran his lips up and down her neck and across her shoulder as he urged her toward the bed. One hand slid down from her breast, down across the flat of her stomach, cupping her. His fingers played her, urging her higher. When he felt she was on that edge, he pulled his hand away. "Richie?" "Lean over" his voice was a strangled whisper in her ear. She leaned over the side of the bed and he positioned himself behind her. She could feel him there teasing, taunting. She looked over her shoulder, she needed him now, "please" she begged. He was in her, one long, deep thrust. Faith called out his name as her orgasm overtook her. Richie moved in her, hard and fast. The second wave overcame her before the first was done. Richie cried out as he gave her everything and together they collapsed down on the bed.

Richie dragged the covers down and they manged to get underneath. He pulled Faith close to him. With her head on his chest, Faith could hear his heartbeat slowly returning to normal. "Oh my God." Richie gave her a squeeze, "you can say that again." She smiled up at him, "so, you enjoyed dinner?" He laughed, "dinner was good, but dessert well, that was nothing short of amazing." Faith chuckled against him, "I think I have to agree, dessert was pretty good." Richie pouted, pretending to be hurt, "only pretty good?" She hesitated, as if thinking about it, "well, it has been some time since I had 'dessert', but from what I can remember, this was pretty awesome."

Richie grew serious for a moment. "Faith?" She was stroking his chest lightly, "hmm, what?" "How long has it been?" She propped herself up on her elbow so she could look at Richie. "Billy has been gone two years now, so about that long." He reached over and took her hand, "that long?" "Yeah. You are the first guy I have been with." Richie stroked the back of her hand, "not even a date?" Faith shook her head, "nope." Richie considered his next question, "so then I guess my next question is, why me?" Faith squeezed his hand, "because you took Hannah into consideration first. Because you are the first guy to make me feel like it was okay to take that step. Because you made me smile and laugh." Richie pulled her to him and hugged her tight, kissing her head. He knew then that she was there with him because of him, not the rock star him, but him, the man. It was a welcome change from the other women he had been with. He was going to hang on to this one for as long as she would let him. They slept then, with Faith wrapped in his arms.

Faith woke with the early morning light coming in the window. She almost had to laugh at her position, Richie had taken over the bed, she was all the way over to the edge, with his arm the only thing keeping her from falling off. She managed to free herself without falling and padded to the bathroom.

She came back into the bedroom, found her towel and wrapped herself up, all the while watching Richie sleep. She almost had to pinch herself to make sure last night hadn't been a dream. Smiling to herself she left the room and headed downstairs to find her clothes.

Chapter 15

Richie led Faith outside to the pool. He watched as Faith walked to the edge and sat down, dunking her feet. He smiled to himself as he thought about what had just taken place in his kitchen. Damn if he wouldn't end up with a hard on everytime he so much as looked at the table. But, as good as that was, as good as the night had been so far, Faith had surprised him. You never know how the first time with someone will be but, unlike the last woman he had been with, she gave as good as she got. That, the incredibly strong giving woman she was, was making this night so much better than some others he had had. He looked over at Faith, wondered what she was thinking. He shucked off his pants and waded into the pool, ready for a bit more taking and a whole lot more giving.

Richie came up to where Faith was sitting. "Hey" Faith looked at him, "hey yourself." "Are you going to join me?" She looked around and then back at him, "you wanna know something?" "What's that?" She gave him a shy smile, "I've never been skinny dipping before." He let out a laugh, "really? Well you have no idea what you have been missing." "I guess I need to be a bit more adventurous." Richie stroked her legs. "You don't have to if you don't want to." She looked at him, "that's just it, you make me want to do things I've never done before." Before he could say anything she slipped of his shirt and slid into the pool in front of him.

Richie turned them so he was leaning up against the side. He pulled her closer and her knees bumped the side of the pool as her thighs gripped his hips. She took his face in her hands, "I used to fantasize about you." He turned his head and kissed the palm of her hand. "Really?" Faith smiled. "I was married, not dead and I must say, reality is so much better." She brought her lips to his, pulling him into a kiss that left them both breathless.

Faith could feel the heat growing in her again, feel the need rising. She could also feel Richie's growing need pressing against her. Richie shifted and Faith gasped as he slid inside her. He moved slowly, watching as Faith's eyes darkened and her breath caught. When he felt her tighten around him he flooded her with everything he had.

Richie held her against him, feeling her heart beat against his chest. He kissed her head and slowly lowered her until she was standing in front of him. "Let's go inside." They got out and he wrapped Faith in a towel, grabbed one for himself and led her inside. "Will you stay with me tonight?" She nodded her head. "I don't have to get Hannah until the morning, so yes, I'll stay." He took her by the hand and they went upstairs.

Chapter 14

Richie fed Faith another spoonful of mousse. She licked her lips "mmm, that is so good." Richie was staring at her lips, "I can see that." Faith dipped her finger into the bowl and brought it to his lips. "Try some." He took the tip of her finger into his mouth and swirled his tongue around it. When he released her finger, Faith's breathing wasn't quite steady. "You're right" he said as he watched her, "it is good." Imitating her, he dipped his finger in the bowl and offered it, "want some more?"


Faith smiled slyly at him, taking his finger into her mouth. She could feel him growing hard under her as she licked and sucked the chocolate off his finger. "Faith" he groaned. She looked up at him, "do you want more?" He didn't know if he could handle any more. She slid off his lap and knelt between his legs. She fumbled with the zipper on his pants, slipping it down after a minute. Every rumor she had ever heard was true, he was all man and then some. She stroked him up and down before letting her tongue play across the tip. His cock jumped in anticipation of what was to come. Faith picked up her head and looked at Richie, his eyes were closed and pure pleasure spread across his face. She took him, all of him, in one long slow slide. She worked him slowly and deliberately, alternating between long, slow glides and short shallow thrusts.


Richie was slowly losing his mind. He couldn't think of anything but what her mouth was doing to him. There was magic in that mouth he thought. He ran his fingers into her hair and moved his hips in time with her mouth. She took him deep and he couldn't control it, "Faith... I'm... Shit!" He came with a shudder. She continued until he grew soft in her mouth. She eased back from him and looked up into his face. "Come up here" he said softly. She climbed back onto his lap.


He held her close, getting himself under control. "Faith, that was..." he trailed off. What could he possibly say? She looked at him and he pressed his lips to hers. His fingers worked the buttons of her shirt and, pulling back from the kiss, he laid her back on the table. He looked down at her, her lips slightly swollen and her skin was flush with arousal. He could see her nipples pressing against the front of his shirt. His mouth met hers again and then he moved on, his tongue sliding down her neck, searching, seeking. He slid the shirt open and took one hardened nipple into his mouth as his hand teased the other.


Faith couldn't hold back the sob of his name. She had never been this high before. He continued his assault on her breasts as his free hand slid lower, finding her warm and wet for him. He slid two fingers into her and the orgasm flashed through her. "Oh God Richie" she groaned. His mouth moved from her breasts, leaving a trail down her stomach. His tongue swirled around her belly button and moved lower. She could feel his warm breath on her as he paused before dipping his head. He looked up at her, she was lost to the moment. Her eyes were closed, her arms flung out to the side. He dipped his head and tasted her, teased her. She came twice more before he was done.


He sat down in his chair, stroking her legs as he did so. Faith curled up on her side, sure she wouldn't be able to move, ever. "Faith?" She held up her hand, "not yet." She took a deep breath and opened her eyes and tried to focus on him. Richie reached over and took her hands, pulling her to him. He cradled her in his lap as the last of the tremors ran through her. "Come on" he told her as he stood them up. "I know what we need now."

Chapter 13

They lay there, chests heaving, a tangle of arms and legs. "Richie?" "Hmmm?" "Could you just...?" He shifted and pulled her against him, pressing a kiss to her head. "Faith?" "Yeah?" "Are you okay?" She kissed his chest "better than." She couldn't remember the last time she felt so loose and languid. She ran her hands up and down his back, letting them play over the curve of his ass. It felt good to be with a man again. She had forgotten how it was to touch and be touched. She wanted more.

Richie put his fingers under her chin and tipped her face up to his. He looked into those green eyes and felt a rush at the need he still saw there. He could feel himself growing hard again. He brought his mouth to hers in a hungry kiss. He pulled back from the kiss and sat them up, Faith straddling his lap. As she reached to take the pins out of her hair, Richie slid his hand down her stomach and slipped a finger inside her, letting his thumb play over her swollen clit. Faith grabbed Richie's shoulders and her head dropped back, feeling the orgasm building.

Faith reached down and pulled his hand away and shifted so that she lowered herself, taking him completely. Faith rode him, watching his brown eyes go almost black with desire. She arched back and he lowered his mouth, kissing and nibbling down her neck and finding one and then both breasts. He heard her breath catch and as Faith shuddered with her release, he pulled her to him, finding her mouth with his.

Richie slid his hands down her sides to her hips, urging her to move faster, taking him over when she went again.

Faith collapsed against him, her head resting on his shoulder. Richie wrapped his arms around her, each trying to settle the other. She lifted her head and placed a kiss on his cheek. As their breathing returned to normal, Faith eased herself from him and curled in next to him. Richie pulled the blanket off the back of the couch and covered them, both of them drifting off.

Faith work a short time later. She eased herself from Richie's arms, slipped on his shirt and padded off to find the bathroom. As she washed her hands she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. "Oh God!" Her hair was half up and half hanging down, she reached up to find the rest of the pins and did her best with her fingers to tame it. Her lips were swollen, her eyes were bright. She couldn't get over how good she felt.

Walking back she noticed a light on in the kitchen. Did I leave that on? She didn't remember turning it on. She found Richie standing at the sink, pants having been pulled on, drinking a glass of water. She came up behind him, "could I have some of that?" He turned to her with a smile and offered her the glass. She drank deep and handed the glass back. Before she could step away from him he pulled her to him. "You look good in my shirt" "Thanks, I was hoping you wouldn't mind." "Nope, not at all." She looked around, "what do you want to do now?" "How about dessert?" He couldn't possibly want to go again already. She cocked an eyebrow at him "dessert?" He laughed, "yeah Faith, dessert, you know the kind you eat." She nodded her head, "oh, dessert. Sure. Whatchya got?"

He got the small bowl out of the refrigerator and one spoon out of the drawer before sitting down and pulling Faith onto his lap. She looked at the bowl, "ooh, chocolate mousse, my favorite." She looked up at him, "how did you know?" Richie picked up the spoon and fed her a bite, "just lucky I guess."

Chapter 12

They finished their meal and while Faith was cleaning up a little Richie refilled their wine glasses. He watched her move, and admired her bare back on display in the dress. He moved up behind her while she was at the sink, trailed his fingers up her arm and let them play across her shoulder, stopping to rub lightly at the base of her neck. Faith stopped what she was doing and let herself enjoy his touch. He reached around her with his other hand and shut the water off, caging her in. “Faith” she turned her head to look at him, “hmm?” He ran his thumb lightly over her lower lip. Her tongue snaked out to touch the tip of it. His stomach clenched at the touch of her tongue to his skin. He slid his hand up to cup her cheek and leaned in to kiss her. She tasted of pasta and wine, spicy and sweet. Easing back he reached for her hand, “come with me.”

They grabbed their wine glasses off the table and Richie led them into the other room. Faith stopped in front of the window, “it is so beautiful.” She was looking out at the back yard, the pool was lit with soft light, there were solar lights strategically placed around so that the yard was glowing softly. Faith turned to find Richie right behind her. He took her wine glass and set it on the end table. He took her in his arms and started swaying slowly to the music he had filtering through the house.

Richie could feel her trembling as he held her. His breath was warm at her ear “what’s the matter?” Faith looked at him, “it’s been a long time since…” she trailed off as his fingers played lightly over her back. She could feel her nipples straining the front of her dress from that light touch. She reached up, ran her fingers lightly across his cheek and into his hair. His mouth came down on hers, insistent, seeking. She parted her lips and accepted.

Richie let his hand slide up from her waist, caressing the curve of her breast, his thumbs rubbing across the hardened tips through her dress. Faith moaned low and Richie dragged his lips across her cheek and down her neck, nuzzling in the hollow between neck and shoulder. "Richie" his name was the only word she could get out. He found the clasp at her neck, before releasing it he found her eyes with his, wanting her to be sure, "Faith?" She nodded her assent. He unhooked the clasp and found the zipper at her lower back. The dress pooled at her feet.

Richie helped her step out of the dress and just had to look at her. She was clad now only in a scrap of black lace and her shoes. "You are so beautiful" he told her as he pulled her close. She could feel his arousal pressing against her, straining against his pants. Faith slid her hands down between them and worked the buttons of his shirt. She slid it from his shoulders, leaving a trail of kisses across his chest as she did. "Richie" she took his hand as she whispered his name. He watched as she kissed each finger, "touch me" she told him as she placed his hand on her breast. Faith couldn't think as he caressed her breast and teased the nipple. When he dipped his head and took the hardened tip into his mouth she was lost. He continued his assault on her other breast before moving back to her mouth. The kiss was hot and greedy. His hands slid down to the black lace and slipped them down. Richie tore his mouth from hers and trailed his tongue down her neck, the valley of her breasts as he lowered her panties and helped her step out of them.

Faith ran her fingers into Richie's hair as he placed feather-light kisses across her stomach. She didn't think she was going to be able to stand on her own much longer. He kissed his way back up to her mouth, moving her toward the couch. Richie toed off his shoes and reached for his belt. Faith stopped him. "Let me." She worked the belt and button on his pants. Richie let out a low grown as she ran her hand up and down the zipper before releasing it. Faith pushed his pants and underwear down and he shook them off. As Faith made her way back up she ran her tongue down the hard length of him. "Faith, don't" he ground out and pulled her up to him.

Richie eased her down onto the couch and knelt between her legs. He turned first to the right leg, removed her shoe and kissed his way up to her inner thigh. He lowered it and did the same with the left, not stopping at her thigh this time. He dragged his tongue up and down the crease of her thigh before dipping his head to taste her. "Richie" she sobbed out as the orgasm rushed through her at the first touch of his tongue. He rode through it with her and brought her to the edge again. He moved up over her on the couch, "Faith, look at me." When she opened her eyes her gaze was fixed neither here nor there, just as he had hoped. He slid into her slowly, amazed at his own restraint as her warm wetness enveloped him. He moved slowly at first but when he felt her tighten around him, as her orgasm overtook her, he thrust harder and faster, finding his own release with her.

Chapter 11

Faith put a more than a little effort into getting ready for her date. Richie had only seen her in her bathing suit and work clothes and she wanted to do it up a bit for him. She took Hannah across the street and, once she was alone, got herself ready.

She showered, shaved her legs, taking care not to nick herself. Once dried off she smoothed on her favorite lotion. She put on her dress, a black and white summery halter-style dress. She wore no bra, the dress having one built in and her black lace bikinis were new. Stepping in front of the mirror she studied herself. For a woman on the heels of 40 she thought she looked pretty good. She didn’t work out regularly, but her jobs and her daughter didn’t give her much downtime. Her breasts were still firm if not as high as they once were, but that was all right. It came with the territory she supposed, but really, the Time Bitch had nothing on her. Her skin was blemish free and there were a few lines, but nothing she would worry about.

She had almost forgotten what it was like to dress for a man. So used to dressing in her work clothes or jeans, it felt almost decadent to put the dress on. She pinned her hair up loosely, letting a few stray pieces fall where they may. A pair of black sandals with a sharp heel and a couple of well-placed straps and a gold ankle bracelet finished the outfit. She gave her self a spray of perfume and a final once over and the butterflies started in her stomach. “Nope, not going there” she told herself. I’m going to have a nice dinner with a wonderful man. Whatever happens after that happens.

**********************

Richie was pacing in the living room waiting for Faith to arrive. He had opened the wine and had some music on. He had made sure to give Jenna the night off too. He was nervous. He caught his reflection in the window and shook his head. Why should he be nervous? This was Faith, the same woman who had shown no nervousness around him when they first met, who had been at ease with him from the get go, who was beautiful and funny and sexy. That was the combination that got him every time. He smiled to himself as he walked to the kitchen. As he poured himself a glass of wine the bell rang.

Richie opened the door and there she was. His eyes traveled over her from the sexy sandals on her feet to the dress to the hair she had pinned up on her head. While he was taking in the sight of her Faith was doing her own perusal of Richie. He wore black dress slacks and a wine-colored shirt, unbuttoned to mid-chest and dress shoes. They stood in the doorway neither talking, just taking in each other. “Faith” Richie finally spoke, “come in.” She stepped in and he took one of the bags she was carrying. She followed him through the house to the kitchen.

Setting the bags down on the counter Richie turned to Faith reaching for her hand and bringing it to his lips, “you are stunning.” Faith felt her face heat up, “thank you. You look pretty good yourself.” He smiled at her, “yeah, I clean up pretty good.” Faith laughed and the tension eased. “So, what am I cooking for dinner?”

Richie had decided on pasta and Faith was glad it was something that wouldn't take too much work. She had brought a few things from home and got started. Richie showed her where the pots and pans were and then left her to do her thing. He poured them some wine and watched her work.

Faith put the water on and got started on the sauce. She sauteed some mushrooms in a combination of olive oil and garlic, added a bit of salt and pepper, some italian spices, diced tomatoes, black olives and let it simmer. She reached for the italian bread she had brought and cut it in half lenghtwise. She spread a mix of butter, garlic, rosemary and grated cheese and placed it on a baking sheet.

Picking up her wine she came and sat down at the table with Richie. "That smells good already." "Thanks, it should be ready in about 20 minutes. I hope you're hungry." He looked at her, "starved." The way he said it and the look on his face told Faith he was hungry for more than just food. She hoped she would be able to give him what he wanted.

True to her word, 20 minutes later they were sitting down to plates of pasta, salad and garlic rosemary bread. Faith picked at her plate while Richie ate heartily. He noticed she wasn't eating and set his fork down. "What's the matter Faith?" She looked up at him, "nothing, just not very hungry I guess." Richie didn't believe her. He reached across the table and took her hand, "Faith, nothing is going to happen tonight that you don't want to happen."

Chapter 10

Faith's head was spinning on the way home. If the man could kiss like that... she didn't want to finish the thought. She was getting worked up just thinking about his mouth. "Stop it" she told herself. If she kept this up she would make herself crazy before Monday.

Faith worked the next couple of days and that helped ease her anxiousness. Keeping busy always helped Faith keep it together. The cafe was just past the lunch rush and during the lull one of the waitresses, Susie, came into the kitchen. "Faith, there is a customer on the patio who would like to see you." Faith looked up, "is there a problem?" Susie shrugged, "don't know, he only said he wanted to see the chef." Faith wiped her hands and followed Susie out. When they got to the patio Faith dropped her face to her hands and shook her head.

"What are you doing here?" It was Richie . "Having lunch" he told her with a smile. In all actuality Richie had wanted to see Faith so he had decided to check out the cafe. Faith smiled at him. "What did ya have?" While she made the food, she had no idea which order went to who. "the cuban sandwich and soup of the day" Richie told her with a smile. "From the looks of your plate I would say you enjoyed it." "It was excellent. Now I am really looking forward to dinner tomorrow." Faith laughed and touched his arm, "well, I can promise it will be better than soup and a sandwich." They chatted for a few more minutes and then Faith excused herself, she had to get back to work.

Richie paid his bill and left a generous tip. As he walked through the cafe he caught a glimpse of Faith in the kitchen. She was washing up the pots and pans, getting everything ready for the dinner rush. She happened to glanced up and caught Richie's eye. He winked at her and headed out.

When Faith got home she decided she needed to talk to Hannah about her upcoming "date". She wanted to make sure that Hannah was okay with her seeing someone that wasn't her dad. After they had their dinner and Hannah was ready for bed, Faith brought a framed photo into her room and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Hannah, I need to talk you." "Am I in trouble? I don't remember doing anything bad." Faith smiled at her daughter, "no honey, you are not in trouble." She showed Hannah the picture. It was of her father. Hannah looked at her mom, "that's the picture from your room." "I know, I think you should have it in here now." "I miss him mom." "I know you do sweetie, so do I." Hannah took the picture and put it on the night stand. "I was starting to forget him. I like having the picture here. It helps."

Faith couldn't help the tears. So much had changed for Hannah in the last few years and now she was going to throw something else at her. "Hannah, you know that I have a date tomorrow night, do you know with who?' "With Ava's dad." "That's right. Does that bother you?" "Well, what about daddy, don't you still love him?" Faith gathered Hannah close, "I will always love your dad honey, but I like Richie too. She looked down at Hannah, "I think my heart may have room for someone else, at least I hope it does." Hannah smiled at her mom, "you should do what makes you happy mom." Faith gave Hannah a hug, "thanks baby."

Chapter 9

They enjoyed a boisterous meal of burgers done on the grill, Richie's favorite way of cooking. His housekeeper, Jenna, had left a macaroni salad and fresh fruit in the fridge for them as well. Faith's cookies with some vanilla ice cream were the perfect dessert.

After they were finished the girls disappeared to Ava's room and left Richie and Faith with a mess to clean up. They stacked dishes and made a couple trips to and from the patio before they had the table cleared off. "You know" Richie started, "if those cookies are any indication, I am going to have to hire you for my next party." Faith set the dishes in the sink and turned to him. "Did you have something in mind?" "When are you off next?" Faith thought for a minute, "Monday, but I couldn't possibly put something together that quickly."

"Not even a small intimate dinner?"

"How small, how many people?" Her mind was trying to put ideas together. "Dinner for two?" Faith looked at him, he was smiling at her, "two?" He nodded, "two, you and me, no interruptions" he pointed toward the upstairs. "Oh" then she finally understood, "ohhh."

Richie watched as the realization of what he said hit her. "Is that going to be a problem, finding someone to stay with Hannah I mean?" Faith shook her head, "it shouldn't be. Ms. Betty loves having Hannah over." "Good, then I will get everything and all you have to do is show up and cook" he winked at her, "in my kitchen."

She turned the water on then and started rinsing the dishes. Richie came up next to her and shut the water off, taking her hands in his. "Leave them, come in the other room with me?" She pulled hands from his and dried them off. "Can I change first?" She was still in her bathing suit. He led her out to the cabana and waited for her. She came out dressed once again in her shorts and tank top and tugged her ponytail out, shaking her hair down around her shoulders. Richie's fingers itched to touch her.

He moved in on her, "Richie, what are you...?" "Shh" he ran his hands into her hair and brought his mouth to hers. It was a light, easy kiss at first. When his tongue sought entrance, her lips parted and he dove in. Faith dropped her bag and her arms wound around him and she poured herself into the kiss. When they parted, Faith's breathing was none too steady. "Damn, you're good at that." Richie chuckled and pulled his hands from her hair. She brought her arms up around his shoulders and he pulled her closer to him, "I think a little more practice might be in order" and he dipped his head to taste her again. Every nerve ending in Faith's body came alive with that kiss. She was pretty sure she had died and gone to heaven, so thorough was this man's mouth on hers.

When they parted a second time, Faith was glad Richie was still holding onto her, she was sure her legs wouldn't hold her up. "No more practice, you hit that one out of the park." Richie smiled, "darlin' I was just getting warmed up." "If you were any more warmed up, I'd be a puddle on the floor." She reached up and ran her fingers lightly across his bottom lip, "you should have a license for this mouth, it's dangerous." She replaced her fingers with her mouth and kissed him lightly. "I should round up my daughter and get out of your hair before we overstay our welcome

Richie didn't want to let her go but he knew she was right. They needed to be careful when the girls were around. He pulled her in for one more kiss before letting her go. "Let's go find the girls."

Chapter 8

Faith wasn't quite sure where or even how to start. She took a breath and just jumped in, "my husband, Billy, was killed on the job. He was a cop, LAPD." She remembered as if it were yesterday. "His partner came to the door to tell me, but I knew before he even opened his mouth. His expression told me everything." She brought her gaze up to meet Richie's. "It was one of the worst days of my life." Richie didn't say anything, he just continued to hold her hand, stroking the back of it lightly. Faith dropped her gaze and went on to tell him the rest. How her sister had come to stay, how Ms. Betty had been and still was there every day for her and Hannah. How she still wasn't sure how she managed to survive it.

Richie sat and listened almost in disbelief. How could one go through so much and yet stay so strong?

Faith stopped talking. She was almost afraid to look at Richie. She dragged her eyes from the table top, glancing at their hands that were still clasped and up to his face. She didn't find pity in his eyes as she had feared. Instead she found sympathy and, of all things, awe.

"Richie?"

"How do you do it?" Faith wasn't sure what he meant. "How do I do what?"

"How do you keep it together and carry on? How do you not break down, totally lose it?" Faith smiled softly at him, no one had every asked her that. "I keep it together for Hannah. She is the center of my world now. Making sure she is happy and safe is more important to me than anything else. She comes first, she has to." Richie nodded his understanding. "What about you Faith, what about your happiness?"

Faith didn't answer him right away. She had focused so much on Hannah in the last two years that she hadn't thought of anything else. Until just a few short days ago. She looked at Richie, "well, until a few days ago, I thought I was doing okay, then this guy spread out his beach blanket next to mine and well, I have been doing some, shall we say, re-evaluating." Richie smiled at her. "And? Have you come to any conclusions?"

Faith squeezed his hand, "I have. You see, he made me feel things I haven't felt in a long time and he made me want to explore those feelings." Richie slid his chair closer to her, happy with her answer. He found her eyes with his, "I like exploring" he told her as he brought his hand up and tucked an errant lock of hair behind her ear. He lightly stroked her cheek with his fingers and leaned in to kiss her.

"Dad!"

Faith and Richie jumped apart. He turned to his daughter "what?" "We're hungry!" Richie frowned and turned back to Faith "sorry." Faith shook her head and laughed, "it's okay, let's get them fed."

Chapter 7

Faith dressed in denim shorts and a white tank top. She picked up the new bathing suit she splurged on and put it in her bag along with her wrap, towel and a comb. She also grabbed a sweatshirt, just in case. She pulled her dark hair into a ponytail and stepped into her flip flops. Hannah came running in, "are you ready mom?" She smiled at her daughter, "just one more minute honey." Hannah ran from the room, "okay, I'll be waiting." Faith turned to her dresser. She slipped the ring from her left hand and put it in her jewelry box. She looked down at her hand, it seemed naked without the ring, but she knew it was the right thing to do.

Faith and Hannah arrived at Richie's 20 minutes and two wrong turns later. Hannah barely waited for Faith to turn the car off before jumping out. "Hannah! Wait for me please." Hannah stopped in her tracks, "come on mom, hurry up!" Faith shut the car off, grabbed her bag and the cookies she had made and caught up with Hannah. They walked up the front step and rang the bell. As they waited they heard running footsteps and a young girl's shout "they're here!"

A smiling Ava opened the door, "Hi guys, come on in." Richie came around the corner and Faith stopped. He was wearing navy swim trunks and nothing else. Wow. Ava took Hannah off to her room and Richie and Faith were left in the foyer. "Hi Faith. Whatchya got there?" "Hmmm?" "Faith, are you all right?" Her cheeks reddened, "oh, sorry, I brought chocolate chip cookies." She handed him the plate. "I make them for the cafe and I hate to show up empty handed." "Well thanks. Come on back."

They walked through the house and Faith had to make a conscious effort not to gawk. His house was amazing. Big, open rooms, high ceilings, and a kitchen that made Faith want to cry. There seemed to be an acre of granite counter top, a restaurant-worthy stove, a sub-zero refrigerator and cupboards that went on forever.

Richie had set the plate down and watched as Faith took in the kitchen. He was almost turned on by the way she reverently touched the counter tops and lightly ran her fingertips over the stove. "I gather you like my kitchen." "Like is much too tame a word. Covet, crave, desire, those might be better." He laughed, "well, maybe next time I will let you cook for me." "Don't tease me like that." Richie looked at her, "who's teasing?" The girls came in then, all ready for the pool.

Richie led them through the family room and out the sliding glass door to the patio. The backyard was fantastic. The pool was huge, there was a hot tub over to one side, a cabana and the yard was landscaped beautifully. It took Faith's breath. "Do you have your suit on?" Faith turned at the sound of Richie's voice, "hmm, what?" "Are you sure you are all right?" Faith nodded, "I'm fine, its just so beautiful out here." "Thanks. I had nothing to do with it." Faith laughed, "well at least you're honest about it. So, where can I change?"

In the cabana Faith slipped out of her clothes and put on her new bikini. It was dark red and a little more daring then her old one, but still respectable for in front of the girls. She tied the black and red wrap around her waist grabbed her sunglasses on and went back outside.

Richie had just put the stereo on and was turning back to sit down when he saw Faith come out of the cabana. He felt as though he had been sucker punched. He tried to catch his breath as his eyes traveled her up and down. He had seen her in her bathing suit before, but this seemed different to him somehow. It wasn't the same suit, that much he remembered. Maybe that was it.

Faith felt his eyes on her, "what?" she asked as she got closer to him. "You got a new suit?" Faith sat down, "I did. It was time to retire the other one." They watched the girls for a bit. Richie looked over at her, "do you wanna get wet?" Faith jerked her eyes up to his, "wh-what?" He chuckled and pointed at the pool, "I asked if you want to get wet, you know, go swimming?" She flushed and nodded, "sure."

As the afternoon wore on the girls got out of the pool and went inside to watch a movie. Faith and Richie had moved from the pool back to the chairs they had occupied earlier. Faith reached for her sunglasses and Richie noticed the ring was gone. There was just faint tan line where it used to be. Before Faith could pull her hand back Richie reached for it. He ran his finger along the tan line. "Where is it?" Faith raised her eyes to his. "I guess I should explain." When Richie didn't say anything, she continued. "I was married, for 17 years." He nodded, "are you divorced?" "No, no I'm not."

Richie was dumfounded. "You say you're not married, but yet you are not divorced either. What kind of game are you playing Faith?" She looked at him, "I'm not playing any game Richie. I'm not divorced. My husband died two years ago. I'm widowed." Now he felt like an ass for saying what he did. "I'm sorry Faith." There were a million questions he wanted to ask, but didn't want to pry. She could see the questions cross his face. "What do you want to know?"

He wanted to know everything. "What happened?"

Chapter 6

Faith lay in bed that night not able to sleep. She kept thinking about Richie. She hadn't felt anything for anyone in so long and was a little afraid of what she had felt that night. She thought about her husband, Billy. It had been almost two years that he'd been gone. She had missed him every day, until today. She hadn't even thought about him today and that made her a little sad. She also realized that if she could think about him without tears and with only a hint of sadness, then maybe it was time to consider dating again. There was one thing she had to do first and she would need to do it soon if this thing with Richie was going to go anywhere. She finally drifted off, but it was visions of a tall man with dark hair and warm smiling brown eyes that took her into dreams.

***********************

Richie and Ava were enjoying a little time around the pool, swimming and sunning themselves. All the while Ava was talking about Hannah and their time at the beach. "Can I call her dad?" Richie looked over at his daughter, "go ahead, but when you are finished ask her if I can talk to her mom." Ava ran off to get the portable phone, leaving Richie alone. It had been a couple of days since he had seen Faith and he thought maybe inviting her and Hannah here would be easier for her than taking her out somewhere. For now.

Ava came back out talking and laughing with the phone at her ear. Richie watched, she is growing up so fast. He could hardly believe she was going to be 10 soon. Ava came over to him and handed him the phone. "Here dad, Hannah is getting her mom." "Thanks." Ava ran over and jumped in the pool, giving Richie a little privacy.

"Hello?" "Faith, are you there?"

"Hi Richie, how are you?"

"I'm fine darlin'. How's things by you?"

"Busy as always, but I kinda like it like that. What can I do for you?"

He chuckled, I could think of about 10 things. "Well, I know we talked about a date and I was wondering if you and Hannah would like to come over to my house tomorrow."

Faith hesitated.

"Faith?"

"Sorry, I..., we would like that. What time tomorrow?"

They chatted and made the arrangements and Richie gave Faith directions to get to his house. "Oh, don't forget your swim suits. See you tomorrow." They hung up and Faith went to find Hannah.

"Come on" she told Hannah "I have an errand to run so you need to go see Ms. Betty." They went across the street and Hannah was welcomed without a problem. "Thank you. Faith turned to leave then stopped and turned back. "Ms. Betty, can I talk to you?" Hannah went inside to watch TV and Faith and Ms. Betty sat on the porch. Ms. Betty had been there for Hannah since Hannah was a baby and she also helped Faith when she lost Billy. Faith was lucky to have her. "Ms. Betty, I met someone, and I am not sure what to do." Ms. Betty smiled at Faith, "well it's about time. You need to get out some." Faith nodded her head, "I suppose you're right, but it just hasn't felt right." "You work to hard. You need to have some fun Faith. I know losing someone is hard. When I lost my Henry I felt like you, but I got through it and now I have Hannah to watch out for. You are beautiful and much too young to be alone." Faith smiled at Ms. Betty, the little grandmotherly woman who had brought so much to both her and Hannah.

"I need to go somewhere, can Hannah stay for a little while?" "You know you don't have to ask. Go, Hannah will be fine." Faith stood, kissed Ms. Betty on the cheek and was off.

Faith arrived at the cemetery a short while later and with a sigh got out of the car. As she came upon the site, tears filled her eyes. The stone read "Beloved Husband and Father". She stood quietly for a few minutes. "Hi. Sorry I haven't been in a while." She wiped away the tears that refused to stop rolling down her cheeks. "I miss you. Hannah is starting to forget you." This was harder than she thought. "I met someone. He is super nice and has a daughter Hannah's age." She toyed with the ring on her finger. "I like him. I think there might be something between us, but..." she trailed off, "I loved you for so long, you gave me Hannah and for that I will always love you, but I think I need to see where this other thing might go." She raised her head and the sun warmed her face, almost as if he was smiling at her. She felt the breeze skim her face, like fingers swiping at her tears. It was going to be okay. "Thank you" she whispered as she walked away.

Chapter 5

Jon crossed the room to where Richie and Faith were standing. Faith held out her hand, "Hi, I'm Faith." Jon smiled and took her hand, "Hi Faith, it's a pleasure to meet you. Thanks for the show." Faith's cheeks reddened, "I'm just glad I wasn't murdering one of your songs." Jon laughed. Faith looked at both men, "I should probably have told Richie this earlier, but I have been a fan for a long time. I think the two of you write the most amazing songs." Richie spoke up, "thanks, but why didn't you mention that this afternoon?" Faith looked up at him and when she met his eyes, she felt something flutter low in her belly. "We were having a nice time, I didn't want to ruin it." Richie nodded his understanding. "You didn't even act like some fans we have met. No screaming or anything." Faith gave a short laugh. "You didn't see me when I got home!" More laughter ensued.

Jon watched the exchange between Richie and Faith. He saw the easiness of their interaction and the chemistry between the two was undeniable. It seemed to him that she might be good for his friend. She certainly was as pretty as Richie had said. Jon wondered what the hesitation on Richie's part could be. Then he saw it. The ring on the all important finger on her left hand. So that's it. As Richie and Faith talked Jon slipped from the room unnoticed.

Faith looked around, "apparently I scared off your friend." "Nah, he probably just got bored waiting for me. Don't take it personal." Faith smiled, "well I am sure you two need to get back to what you were doing. I should finish up and get out of your way." Richie took her hand before she turn away from him. "Faith, can I see you again?" Faith looked up at him, "I ..." she paused, "I don't know what to say." Suddenly she was feeling nervous. "Well you could say 'sure Richie, I'd like that'". Faith glanced away briefly before meeting his gaze, "sure Richie, I'd like that." He smiled at her. "Well then, I guess it's a date. I'll call you." They said their goodbyes and he left her to finish up.

Richie walked into the room where Jon was once again strumming his guitar. Jon looked up as Richie came into the room. "So that was Faith? She seems like a nice woman. Just one thing, why didn't you mention that she was married?" Richie eyed his friend, "I asked her about that earlier. She says she's not married, not anymore." Jon was glad to hear that. "If she is divorced why is she still wearing the ring?" Richie didn't know the answer to that. "I tried to ask her a couple times, but we kept getting interrupted, but I am going to find out." Jon nodded, "you do that. But in the meantime, let's get to work."

Faith sat in her car in the parking lot, hands on the steering wheel, staring at her ring. I can't believe I made a date. I haven't been on a date since, well since forever. What was I thinking? There was a knock on her window and she jumped and screamed before rolling the window down. It was Richie. "Are you okay?" "Considering the heart attack you just gave me, I'm fine." He smiled at her, leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Be careful going home." "I will." He turned and walked to his car as she started hers and drove off.

Chapter 4

Before they could continue their conversation, the waitress came back with the check. Faith reached for it, but Richie was quicker. "I got it." Faith shook her head, "that's not necessary." Richie reached for his wallet, "I know, but you let us tag along, it's the least I can do." She was about to thank him when Hannah tapped her arm. "Mom, can I have a pen?" Faith dug in her purse and handed her a pen. "What's it for?" "Ava and I are trading phone numbers so we can call each other." Faith looked over at Richie to make sure it was okay just as Ava spoke up, "is it all right dad?" Richie winked at Faith and told Ava to go ahead.

As Faith drove away from the restaurant she couldn't help but wonder about the day she had just had. She smiled to herself. Who would ever believe that she spent the day with Richie Sambora? Oh well, even if I never see him again, it was a great day.

Faith hustled Hannah off to the shower when they got home and called her neighbor to confirm that she was coming over. She then got in the shower herself to get ready to go to work. S he dressed in a faded pair of jeans with a rip at the knee and a well worn t-shirt. She braided her hair so it was out of her way and slipped into her sneakers. She got Hannah situated with a movie and when her neighbor, dubbed "Miss Betty" arrived Faith was off.

***************

Richie dropped Ava back to Heather and since it was still somewhat early, he decided to head down to the studio and see what Jon was up to. Jon was in town as they were working on some of the tracks for a new album. While driving to the studio he thought about his day and about the pretty woman he had spent it with. As he drove downtown he couldn't get Faith out of his head. I wonder which building she is working in he thought as he took note of all the skyscrapers.

He got to the studio and found Jon strumming on his guitar. "Sounds good man." Jon looked up and smiled, "hey man, didn't think I would see you until tomorrow." Richie shrugged his shoulders, "I dropped Ava off and wasn't quite ready to go home yet, so I thought I would stop down and see what you were up to." Jon looked at his friend, something was up with him. "What is it man?" Richie frowned, "what are you talking about?" "Just spill it, I know when something is eating at you, let's have it." "Shit man, how do you do that?" Jon smiled, "just one of my lesser known talents. So, what's up?"

Richie sighed, "I met someone today when I was at the beach with Ava." Jon didn't hesitate, "what does she look like and is she legal?" Richie laughed, "yes she's legal. She has a daughter Ava's age. As for her looks, she is about this tall" he put his hand under his chin, "she's curvy where she should be with dark hair and green eyes." Jon considered this, "so, what's wrong with her, is she a fan? Did she scare you?" "You know, I think she is a fan but she didn't come right out and say so. No, she didn't scare me you shit, she acted normal. We had a nice afternoon and the girls got on well."

"So, did you get her number?" Richie shook his head, "no, but Ava did." Jon laughed, "man you are losing it. Did you get her name at least?" "Yeah I got her name. It's Faith." Jon was about to say something else when a noise stopped him. "What was that?" Richie and Jon both listened for a minute. There was singing coming from somewhere. They walked down the hall, following the voice they heard, stopping in a doorway when they found the source.

Faith was emptying garbage and sweeping the floor. She had her headphones on and was singing and dancing while going about her business, not realizing she wasn't alone.

I'm always runnin'

Son of a gunnin'
I've had a good time it's true
But the way I've been goin'
It's time that I toned it
Down just a notch or two

Oh yeah ...

Well I'm living in fast forward
A hillbilly rock star out of control
I'm living in fast forward
Now I need to rewind real slow

Well I'm living in fast forward
A hillbilly rock star out of control
I'm living in fast forward
Now I need to rewind real slow

Yeah I need to rewind real slow
Yeah I still got some miles to go

When she stopped singing the guys applauded her efforts. Startled, Faith turned to find Jon and Richie standing in the doorway grinning at her. Oh my God!! Faith pulled the headphones off, "gotta love a little Kenney Chesney" she said sheepishly. Richie walked over to her, "Faith what are you doing here?" "Working and embarassing myself to no end apparently." He tried to put her at ease, "no need to be embarassed darlin'." She smiled at Richie, "well my day's not complete unless I embarass myself at least once. This should be good for about a whole week!" She looked past Richie to where Jon was standing and chuckling at the whole scene. She looked back at Richie "is your friend just going to stand over there laughing at me or is he going to come over here so I can say hello?"