Chapter 157 - Entertainment Tonight

“I thought you said it was time for bed. Liar.” Jon teased softly as he rubbed his hand gently up and down Cate’s arm. She was sitting close beside him on the couch, his arm around her shoulders, her legs curled under her and her cheek snuggled against his shoulder.

“I know. Sorry. I’m just not sleepy yet.” Cate smirked to herself as she raised the remote to point it at the television. “You only have yourself to blame. You’re the one who wacked-out my sleep cycle.” She felt his chuckle against her cheek as she flipped through the channels. His calloused fingers never stopped tracing over her skin.

“Good thing SportsCenter is on every fucking hour,” he observed sarcastically. “Otherwise, what would we do to cure your insomnia?”

Cate giggled softly and turned her face so that her lips pressed against his t-shirt. She planted a playful, audible kiss against his chest. “I have no idea what else we could do.” Her voice held a coy tease as she knew darned well what he had in mind. She kept clicking the button on the remote, cycling through the channels, trying to find something to capture her attention during the ESPN commercial break.

“I have an idea…” Jon dropped his lips against Cate’s hair and purred softly. “How about we…”

…Sat down with Jon Bon Jovi at the Federal Agent Training Center for an exclusive look at his preparation for his new movie, which begins shooting in L.A. next week. More on the Jersey Rocker’s latest project after the break.

Jon’s gaze snapped toward the television at the mention of his name. He stared at the screen for a moment before he realized why he had been the topic of the teaser. Oh yeah, the ET interview. I almost forgot about that…. Jon smirked as he thought back to his and Cate’s activities the morning they had taped the interview. THAT part he hadn’t forgotten.

Cate raised her head from Jon’s shoulder and gave him an inquisitive look. “Do you want me to change the channel?” she asked. “I don’t have to watch it, if you’d rather not.”

Jon chuckled. “Why wouldn’t I want to watch it?”

Cate shrugged slightly, unconsciously nibbling at her lower lip before responding. “I dunno. I just thought how you don’t like to do the press stuff, so maybe you wouldn’t want to watch it either.”

“I don’t necessarily like to watch press, but I don’t hate it.” Jon grinned playfully. “I'm somewhat of a closet Narcissist.”

Cate rolled her eyes. “Sure you’re not just an outright Narcissist?”

“Yeah, well… I look good on camera. What can I say?” Jon gave Cate a smug little-boy grin, causing her heart to skip a beat. “Besides, I want to see you make your TV debut.” He leaned forward to give her a soft nuzzle, rubbing his nose against hers.

“Oh yeah,” Cate mumbled. She hadn’t thought about the fact that she was most likely going to be in the story, as well. DUH.

Cate settled back against Jon’s shoulder, dropping the remote onto the couch beside her and letting her hand rest on his thigh. She idly traced a circle over the soft cotton of his shorts with one fingertip as she waited for the commercial break to end.

…And we’re back with an inside look at Jon Bon Jovi’s new movie. ET’s own Leanne Parker caught up with the ageless Jersey Rocker-turned-Actor as he prepared for his first leading role with some real-life heroes.

Cate smiled at the little squeeze Jon gave her in response to the “real-life heroes” comment. They remained silent as they watched and listened to the feature story’s introduction. The first scenes were of Jon firing his Glock, leaning over the hood of the cruiser, and smiling and nodding at the camera in response to some question. Leanne’s voice-over explained that he was preparing to play a federal agent, and gave a brief rundown of the training Jon had completed over his two weeks at the Center. Then came Jon’s distinctive honeyed purr as the interview portion of the piece started.

Cate felt the familiar little flutter in her stomach at Jon’s image on the screen. Damn, he looked GOOD, wearing that tight black tee and that sexy smirk. She rubbed her cheek gently against the soft fabric of Jon’s t-shirt, subconsciously reminding herself that the fantasy on the television was actually right here beside her.

Jon chuckled softly and gave Cate another little squeeze at her movement. He continued to listen to himself for another few seconds, then grinned broadly when he heard Leanne’s segue into the “juicy” part of the piece. He knew it was coming; it was the nature of the Hollywood machine to turn everything tabloid. Jon wondered how Cate would react to the inevitable speculation about their relationship.

…So who was Jon’s Partner-in-Crime for the two weeks of intensive law enforcement training? Special Agent Cate Sullivan was entrusted with the task of transforming Mr. Bon Jovi from Rocker to Cop. Was she able to resist the Jersey Boy’s legendary charm?

Cate cringed slightly as she saw herself on the screen. She remembered this part of the interview, that she had done before Jon’s arrival on the range. Jon laughed out loud at Cate’s comment that she “hadn’t really noticed” Jon’s amazing physique as they trained side-by-side. “You LIE!” he teased, voicing the unscripted tone of the piece.

Jon smirked as the frame filled with images of Cate molded to Jon’s side, steadying his aim as they both looked downrange. “Damn, we do look good together, don’t we?” he observed, a smile in his voice but his comment sincere.

“Yeah,” Cate admitted softly, still listening to the television. She and Jon quieted as the piece featured a portion of their interview together, sitting side-by-side facing Leanne. Cate blushed slightly as she saw the sweet smile and adoring glance Jon gave her as she answered Leanne’s question about Jon’s potential to be a real cop. Oh Good Grief…how could anyone miss that exchange of affection? She almost choked on the thought as she heard her own words, describing Jon as a good police dog.

Jon let out another bark of laughter, hugging Cate tightly and dropping a kiss onto her head. “You’re good at this press stuff,” he chortled. “Maybe I should let you handle this for me from now on.”

“No way.” Cate replied quickly. “I much prefer to be out of the limelight, thank you very much.” She kept her eyes focused on the screen and felt them widen as she listened to the remainder of the piece.

… And though the personal chemistry between Agent Sullivan and Bon Jovi was obvious, she maintains that they have a strictly professional relationship. Jon, however, gave us a hint of something more.

“Cate is a fantastic agent, a phenomenal teacher, and an amazing woman. She’s very much my leading lady of the moment. She’s the one I trust.” Cate caught her breath at Jon’s words, and her heart flipped at the dazzling smile that accompanied them. Jon chuckled softly at her reaction, again squeezing her gently in his embrace. He watched with an amused smirk as the ET anchor turned to Leanne at the end of the piece.

“So, Leanne… Jon looked pretty cozy with his teacher there, didn’t he?” the anchor asked in a wink-wink, nudge-nudge tone. “I’m not sure I buy Agent Sullivan’s story that they’re just professional colleagues. How about you?”

Leanne tittered girlishly. “No, I don’t buy it either. It was apparent that Jon is quite taken with Cate, and she with him. Though Cate told me she would not be traveling to Hollywood to coach Jon during filming, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see them around town together. At the very least, I have a feeling she’ll show up on the red carpet for the premiere.”

“We’ll certainly have to keep an eye out for that!” the perky anchor replied enthusiastically. “Thank you, Leanne. Now, from big-screen cops to TV police. 24 star Kiefer Sutherland is executive producing a new series focused on a secret U.S. paramilitary force…

“Oh, God…” Cate murmured. She sat up and looked at Jon. “Were we really that obvious?”

Jon smirked. “You saw the tape. There’s no denying we have some serious chemistry.” He searched Cate’s eyes for a flash of panic but saw nothing but a calm, inquisitive look.

“Yeah.” She paused for a moment, then chortled. “If only poor little Leanne knew what we were doing an hour before that interview.”

“I’d say she hit the nail right on the head with her speculation,” Jon agreed, gently tugging Cate back against his chest and wrapping his arms around her. Pressing a smacking kiss against her temple he grinned. “And if only she knew we were about two seconds away from naked when we were watching this on your couch…” He slipped a pair of fingers under the hem of Cate’s top and started to push it slowly upward.

Cate let out a little sigh, which turned into a yawn as she let herself melt back against Jon.

“Oh, now you get sleepy on me,” Jon teased, nuzzling at her ear.

Cate giggled. “Sorry. Really, I’m not sleepy… just relaxed. And this is such a comfortable spot.” She turned her head to snuggle her cheek against Jon’s chest.

“I can think of someplace more comfortable.” Jon’s fingertips gently traced around Cate’s navel, brushing over her piercing.

Cate smiled at Jon’s implied suggestion. She could think of another comfortable spot, too. “Give me a minute, then I’ll meet you wherever you want.” Cate paused for a moment before reluctantly pulling herself away from Jon and rising to her feet.

“Deal. Meet you in the garage,” Jon grinned playfully.

Cate rolled her eyes as she chuckled. “Sure.” She headed for her bathroom with an exaggerated shake of her head.

With a gentle smile Jon watched Cate disappear into the bedroom, then he picked up the remote. He switched off the TV before standing and wandering over to Cate’s media cabinet. He had seen something in there last night that had made him grin. It would do nicely tonight to compliment their relaxed, romantic mood. Pulling the CD jewel case from its space on the shelf, Jon stepped over to Cate’s stereo.

Cate was drying her hands when she heard the music start. She smiled at the soulful tune, feeling the familiar flush of desire creep over her. Her reaction to Jon’s romantic gesture was automatic, almost Pavlovian. After the last few weeks together Jon practically had her body conditioned to respond on cue.

Not that she minded. Not anymore.

Quickly shedding her clothes Cate reached for her Soul Jersey, which was hanging on the hook on the back of her bathroom door. She smirked as the slick fabric slithered down over her body, covering her. She wouldn’t be leaving it on for long tonight.

When she pulled open the bathroom door Cate nearly jumped out of her skin. Jon was standing right in front of her, just a few paces in front of her bathroom door. He chuckled at her gasp of surprise. “Come with me,” he commanded quietly, holding out his hand.

Silently Cate placed her hand in his then followed Jon around the bed and to the French doors opening out to her small balcony. Her heart skipped a beat at Jon’s tender smile as he turned to face her. “Let’s dance,” he said softly.

Cate nodded, her blue eyes sparkling in the moonlight. She stepped to Jon, feeling his arm slide around her waist as he raised their clasped hands to rest against his chest. They began to sway together, the soft romantic tune drifting through the open doors and into the summer night. Cate smiled as Jon sang along, crooning softly in her ear.

Darlin’ you… send me
I know you… send me
Darlin’ you…. send me
Honest you do…

Cate chuckled throatily. “Some old Sam Cooke, huh?” She quoted his lyric.

“MmmmHmmmm….” Jon purred in her ear. “You have excellent taste in music.”

“I know.” Cate grinned with her response, then sighed softly and turned her head to rest her cheek against Jon’s shoulder.

They continued to dance to the soulful melodies, one then the next and the next. The music mingled with the soft rush of the waves against the shore and the faint tinkle of windchimes from a neighboring house. A warm summer night breeze caressed their skin and ruffled their hair as Cate and Jon held each other.

As the notes of another song faded away Jon released Cate’s hand from his grasp, reaching up to trace his fingertips gently over her full lips before leaning in to taste them. They kissed langorously, tasting each other’s contentment. Upon parting they gazed silently at each other, their souls speaking through their eyes. They understood each other perfectly.

Cate circled her arms around Jon’s neck as his hands slipped down over her sides to her hips. Again their lips met as Jon slowly turned Cate around, guiding her backwards toward the door in a slow shuffle as they continued to kiss. At the threshold Jon broke their kiss long enough to dip downward and hook an arm behind Cate’s knees. In barely a second his lips were back on hers as he carried her through the doorway and over to the bed.

Jon paused for a moment before lowering Cate to stand beside him. His hands slid under her jersey, caressing her soft skin as he drew the garment upward, over, and off of her warm body. Cate stood motionless before him for a moment, savoring the feel of Jon’s gaze lingering on her. Then she stepped forward to return the favor, gently stripping off Jon’s clothing until she stared breathlessly at his magnificent nude form.

As Sam crooned softly on in the background Cate and Jon savored another long kiss, their naked bodies molding together in the soft moonlight. Their hands wandered unhurriedly over each other’s flesh, stroking and caressing with exquisite tenderness. Finally, just as Cate’s knees were about to buckle from the ecstasy of Jon’s touch he again dipped to scoop her into his arms. Jon kissed her deeply as he stepped to the bed and gently lowered Cate onto the sheets.

“Jonny…” Cate breathed as his lips left hers to travel down her throat. “Ohhhh….” She felt as if she was floating, somehow weightless and ethereal despite the anchor of Jon’s form hovering over hers.

“Cate…” Jon purred happily as he eased himself onto the bed, blanketing her with his body. He sighed at the contact of flesh on flesh, smooth skin against downy fur. He gazed tenderly down at Cate’s face, seeing her cheeks flushed with arousal, her sapphire eyes hooded with desire. “Oh, Baby…. you are so beautiful…”

Cate blinked back at him before a tiny smile curved the corners of her mouth. Unable to resist the plump softness of her lips, Jon again lowered his mouth to hers.

Of its own accord Cate’s body arched up to meet Jon’s movement as his body melded with hers. Jon let out a soft groan at the feel of her erect nipples drilling against his pecs. He knew she was ready for him without a word or a touch. As Jon shifted against her Cate opened herself to him, allowing him to settle between her thighs. Together they sighed as Jon inched his hard length into her, sheathing himself with her velvety warmth.

“Baby…” Cate whispered as he filled her. “You’re perfect.”

“We’re perfect,” Jon corrected her. He raised his head slightly, pulling back enough to watch Cate’s expression as he moved inside her. She gazed back at him, fascinated by the swirling passion in his eyes as his arousal heightened with each rhythmic stroke. A soft purr escaped Cate’s throat as their intimate dance continued. She watched Jon breathlessly, unable to tear her gaze from his beauty. She knew he would be exquisite in the rapture of his release.

Jon stared into Cate’s swirling midnight eyes as he savored her. She was stunning, hypnotic in her erotic flush. The sound of her now-familiar tigress purr sent a shudder of raw desire through his already-electrified senses.

“Jon…” Cate didn’t have to say anything but his name. He knew.

“Look at me, Baby,” Jon whispered in reply, his whiskeyed rasp apparent even in his voiceless breath.

Cate stared back at Jon, lost in his eyes. As the speed and strength of his thrusts increased Cate felt the wave of her passion building, her ecstasy ready to crest.

The raw desire in Cate’s eyes was Jon’s trigger. His release was so sweet, so powerful that he felt as if he was watching from afar, not feeling it firsthand. Jon saw his ecstasy mirrored in Cate’s expression as she shuddered beneath him, gasping out his name as her tidal wave of passion crashed around him. Their gazes never flinched, their eyes locked and their souls entwined, sharing the rapture and bliss of their lovemaking.

Eventually Cate and Jon relaxed, shifting so they lay comfortably together in Cate’s bed. They snuggled together silently, not needing words to express their contentment. Sam’s voice continued to waft softly from the stereo, serenading the couple with gospel and soul. Soon Jon’s breathing was deep and rhythmic.

Cate turned her head to look at Jon and smiled. He was so beautiful in sleep, peaceful and innocent. And he was hers. He was the fantasy who had finally found his way into her bed. Into her heart. Into her soul.

Into her life.

Cate lay watching Jon for a long time, weary but unable to sleep. Her mind kept racing, replaying the past few days like a movie in her head. She had so many questions that needed to be answered. She couldn’t plan her future with Jon until she sorted out the present, and that was proving to be a more difficult task than she had anticipated.

Everything had seemed so neat and tidy, packaged in the dark blue folder presented to her yesterday. She had been handed the blueprint to her professional future, and was about to receive what practically amounted to the Keys to the Kingdom when she became Chief of the newest, largest, and most politically important Branch on the Center at the end of this year.

It should have been a no-brainer for her to accept the promotion and the position. But her head hadn’t counted on having to convince her heart.

Cate smiled again at her sleeping lover. Her heart was right where it was supposed to be. With Jon’s. But the rest of her needed to be with him, too.

Suddenly restless, Cate gently disengaged herself from Jon’s embrace and slid out of bed. She slipped her jersey back on then padded quietly out onto the deck and leaned against the railing, looking out over the ocean. Cate stood for a long time gazing at the horizon, looking for her answer in the moonlit waves.

“I think you’ve already made your decision. Now you just have to act on it.” Cate heard Danny’s gentle voice in her head.

He was right.

It was time.