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Chapter 74
Standing by the empty guitar stand, Jesse watched as Richie talked to his techs. They had worked on his talk box and he was now making sure that it was okay. The other guys were straightening up and the fans were being led backstage.
Done, Richie handed his guitar to his guitar tech and made his way backstage. He saw Jesse waiting and hesitated. In a heartbeat, Jesse was in his arms. He held her tight and closed his eyes as he said a silent 'thank you', then pressed a kiss into her hair.
When Jesse had spoken up to suggest the last song, he’d put it all together and was fairly certain he knew what had upset her. “Jessica, I’m really sorry about the song. I shouldn’t have dedicated it to you,” he apologized as he stroked her hair.
Jesse looked up at him. “I know that you mean the words.”
“Yeah, I do. Jess, when I write music, whether it’s a love song or rock or whatever, I use life experiences for inspiration. That whole album was in a period that was good for me...romantically….just like now. If I sat down now to write, you would be a part of my inspiration…my beautiful inspiration,” he said brushing her hair back.
Jesse smiled, “I’m sorry for getting upset.”
“It’s okay. I promise not to do those songs for you any more.”
Jesse thought about it and said, “You don’t have to make that promise…just promise that one day, there will be a song that some fan will know I was the inspiration.”
“I can definitely promise that,” he smiled. Kissing her, he ran
his hands over her back and into the back pockets of her jeans pulling her
tight. “You ready to go visit with the fans?”
“Mmmm, I’d rather go back to the dressing room and finish what I was doing
before I had a moment of irrational jealousy.”
Richie laughed, “What were you doing?”
“Working on your schedule and looking at ‘White Trash Beautiful’ – AND YOU need to call Nikki….not to mention, WE have a date tonight!!”
“I will call Nikki later and you can finish my schedule later. Come on, I promised them you’d be there.”
“If you insist,” she sighed.
“I’ll make it up to you tonight and make sweet love to you.”
“Not tonight you won’t….it’s gonna be a few days. Another reason why I overreacted.”
His hands still in her back pockets, he started walking her backwards towards the steps. “Oh boy! Is THIS what I have to look forward to every month?” he teased.
“No, you COULD get me pregnant and have nine months of raging hormones where I might cry when you sing something romantic or fly off the handle because some beautiful fan flirts with you,” she countered.
“We’re going to start having safe sex. I’d rather have a couple days than a full month.”
“HEY! I thought you WANTED more children.”
Richie laughed at the hurt expression on her face. “I do and I don’t mind the hormones either…whether its a couple days a month or a full nine months. Gives me more reasons to spoil you.”
They were at the steps now so Richie had to let go of her. As they went down, Jesse asked, “Richie, are you dead set on me getting my dress in London?”
“No, I just thought it would fit with the whole fairy tale wedding that you want. Why?”
“I thought maybe you and Nikki could design a dress for me…through your clothing line.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“Yes. As much as I want to go to London with just you, I’d rather spend the time here, with Stevie, Frankie, Dakota, and Ava. We have a lot to do to start planning for the wedding and your mom has offered to help.”
“She told me and we’ll go to Woodbridge next week. I’ll talk to Nikki about doing your dress when I call her while you’re getting ready for dinner.”
Stopping at the door where the fans were gathered, Richie gave her a quick kiss, and then pushed the door open.
Jesse was a hit with the fans. She told them more about Richie proposing and about the website. Richie hovered, not wanting her to be too far from his side. Fans got pictures of the couple and with the couple…wanting to be a part of their magic.
