As Gerard tiredly walked into the kitchen followed by Mikey and Frank a huge smile suddenly covered his face. The cabinets were a mess, pot and pans everywhere, and in the middle of the chaos Lucy was laughing as she placed something in the oven. He’d never seen a more beautiful sight.

Lucy turned from the stove and saw she and Alicia were not alone. “Gee, you’re here sooner than you said.”

He ignored the comment and closed the space between them to take her in his arms. After kissing her soundly he stepped back.

“Well, hello to you too.” She giggled. She glanced over and saw the tattoo covered shorter man standing nearby. “And hello Frank.”

“Hello, Lucy.” Frank smiled. “Man, does it smell good in here.”

Alicia slid off her stood at the breakfast bar to greet her husband with a hug.

Lucy glanced back at the counters. “I thought I had time to clean this up before you got here.”

Gerard kept his arm around her. “We gave up for today. Nothing was going right.” He’d have to tell her that meant they would be going back to the studio tomorrow but not now. He just wanted to enjoy being home.

“Sorry to hear that.” Lucy said softly looking into his eyes and noticing he looked exhausted. “Well, why don’t you guys have a seat in the living room. Dinner won’t be ready for about twenty minutes.”

Mikey spoke up. “Frank’s right... it smells delicious in here.”

Lucy smiled over at him. “Hope it will taste as good as it smells but I haven’t cooked like this in a long time.” She started to move towards the counter intending to start the clean up when Gerard pulled her into his arms again.

“Come on.” He said softly. “I’ll help you clean up after dinner.”

Lucy had no intention of letting him help her clean up the mess she made but remained silent for the moment. They all filed back into the living room. Gerard took a seat on the sofa pulling Lucy down beside him.

“So what happened today?” Alicia asked.

Mikey answered his wife, “Everything that could go wrong…did.”

Frank, who was still standing spoke up. “I’m gonna give Jamia a quick call.” He was missing his family desperately.

The others watched as he walked out onto the veranda for some privacy.

“So how was your day?” Gerard asked tightening his arm around Lucy.

She smiled, “I had a lot of fun.” She glanced over at Alicia who was sitting next to Mikey. “But she’s a hard one to keep up with.”

Alicia laughed, “Hey, I was just as tired as you were. We must have walked ten miles.”

Mikey rolled his eyes, “Power shopping, I suppose?”

“I hardly bought anything.” Alicia pouted, “Mostly we just looked at things.” That was the truth because Gerard had told her Lucy didn’t have a lot of money she hadn’t wanted to purchase too much while they were together.

Mikey didn’t understand the situation. “Well if you didn’t buy it today, that just means you’ll go back and buy it tomorrow.”

Sadly Alicia had already picked up on the fact the band would be returning to the studio tomorrow. “So I guess this means you guy have to work again tomorrow?”

Lucy felt Gerard’s body tense.

Mikey saw his brother was frowning. “Yeah, we have to go back tomorrow.”

“You should go with me.” Gerard said softly to Lucy.

Alicia had another idea, one she was sure was much better. “No, she can’t. I have something planned for us.”

Gerard glanced over at her. “How could you have it planned when you didn’t know we’d have to work tomorrow?”

Alicia titled her head, “I knew by talking to Mikey today. I could tell it wasn’t going well.”

“I still think Lucy should go with me.”

Lucy was staring down at her hands. As much as she loved being with Gerard the idea of going with him made her nervous. She spoke to Alicia. “Hey, I can just putter around here tomorrow. I’m sure you have things to do.” She didn’t want Alicia to feel responsible for entertaining her.

Alicia smiled, “I really think you’ll like what I have in mind. Gee told me you brought your camera.”

Lucy turned to Gerard wondering when he’d imparted that information.

He shrugged, “She asked me.”

“So it has something to do with taking photos?” Lucy asked turning back to Alicia.

Alicia was very proud of what she’d set up today while Lucy had been trying on clothes. “Sure does. You aren’t the only one who has a friend working for a historical society. My friend, Lynn works for the Santa Monica Historical Society. She was telling me about a beautiful old building that sadly is set for demolition. They would love to get some photos of the place before that happens.”

Gerard smiled at his sister-in-law in thanks. He understood what she was doing.

“Oh" Lucy said slowly. “What kind of a building? When was it built?”

“According to Lynn it was built around the turn of the century. Originally it was a sanitarium then a school. It’s been sitting empty since the 70’s.”

Lucy was excited about the prospect of photographing the place. “Will we be able to get inside?”

Alicia nodded, “Yep, Lynn got us permission.”

“Well sounds like tomorrow is planned for you.” Gerard said softly.

Lucy turned to look into his eyes, “Is that okay, with you?”

He smiled, “Sure it is. Taking photos would be much better than sitting around watching us try to film a video.”

She was afraid his feelings were hurt. “I could go with you…”

Gerard gently stroked her cheek with his finger. “I’m glad you’re gonna get to do what you love. Beside hopefully tomorrow will go better than we’ll have all day Sunday together.”

“Don’t you get B on Sunday?” Mikey asked.

Alicia was watching Lucy and saw the look that suddenly covered her face before she reminded herself to smile.

“Yeah” Gerard nodded over at his brother totally unaware. “But Linds isn’t bringing her over until Sunday night.”

Frank walked back inside.

“How the fam?” Alicia asked.

“Lily has a cold which means Cherry and Miles will come down with one too.” He sighed as he took a seat.

“That sucks.” Gerard said.

Frank nodded, “Yeah, Jamia sounds stressed. We really need to get the shoot wrapped up tomorrow so I can fly home Sunday.”

“We’ll get it done.” Gerard said hoping his words were true.

Lucy stood, “I’m just gonna check on dinner.”

Frank waited until she was out of the room. “I like her.” He said softly.

Gerard laughed, “You haven’t even really talked to her yet.”

“Yeah, but you know me. I’m a good judge of character. I meet someone and I just know. She’s a good person.”

“She is.” Gerard said softly. “A very good person.”

“Gee?” Lucy called out from the kitchen.

He jumped to his feet, “Yeah?”

“Where are we eating? In here or the dining room?”

He entered the kitchen and saw she was starting to clean up the mess. “Hey, thought I told you I’d help with that later.”

“I know.” She answered not turning from the sink, “I’m just gonna let a few of the dishes start soaking. So where are we eating?”

The kitchen now felt so damn cozy with the chaos he smiled, “I think in here at the breakfast bar would be fine, don’t you?”

“Sure.” Lucy said grabbing a towel to wipe her hands. “I’ll just set the pans out and everyone can serve themselves.”

Gerard walked over to the cabinet to grab the plates. Once they were in place he got out the silverware while Lucy placed the pans on the granite top. By this time Alicia had joined them. “I’ll get the drinks.” She offered.

A few minutes later they were ready for Frank and Mikey to join them.

“Man, this smells delicious.” Frank said taking his place. “Thanks for making cheese enchiladas for me.”

Lucy sat down next to Gerard. “No problem at all.”

Frank grabbed a tortilla chip then dipped it into the small bowl of salsa Lucy had set by each plate. “Man” He moaned with a smile, “Excellent.”

When Lucy didn’t speak right away Alicia did, “Lucy made the chips and salsa.”

Mikey too had tried the chips and salsa. “You made these?”

Lucy nodded, “Yeah, I like to make fresh chips and salsa.”

“This is better than any restaurant I’ve ever eaten in.” Frank said before popping another chip in his mouth.

Lucy felt herself warming up to the man, enough so that she explained how her parents had owned a restaurant when she was young.

“And you worked there?” Frank guessed.

“Yes, in the kitchen. I loved helping out.” She glanced over at Gerard then continued, “My grandmother was an excellent cook too.”

Gerard looked over at her wondering if by bring up her grandmother she wanted to tell that her grandmother had built his house.

Lucy smiled at him then spoke to the others. She knew Alicia wouldn’t be surprised but she was guessing Frank and Mikey didn’t know. “My grandmother is the woman who built this house.”

Silence immediately descended on the kitchen. Frank found his voice first. “Are you serious?”

Lucy nodded, “Yep”

“Wow” Frank said slowly. “I didn’t know that.”

Gerard spoke softly, “I didn’t either when I first met Lucy.”

Frank was searching his memory, “I do remember she was famous for croutons, right?”

Lucy smiled, “Yeah, that was her claim to fame but believe me she was an excellent cook. I don’t remember a lot about her but I do remember the times she made dinner.”

“So she died when you were young?”

Lucy nodded, “Yes, sadly she did. I really wish she’d written down some of her recipes.”

Frank really wished Gerard had shared more information about Lucy but his friend had been so tight lipped about her. “So, did you grow up in LA?”

“In East Compton.”

“How in the hell did you end up in Kansas?” He saw Gerard suddenly shot him a warning look but he couldn’t take the question back.

Lucy understood Frank was simply curious. “My late husband inherited land in Kansas.”

“Oh” Frank looked down at his plate. He did know Lucy had been married and that a tragic fire had claimed the man and her young daughter. That much Gerard had told him.

“Moving to Kansas was a godsend.” Lucy said softly. “If we’d stayed here I doubt very much we ever could have bought a house or owned property.”

Frank hoped he wasn’t treading into bad territory but there was so much he didn’t know about Lucy. “How much property do you own?”

Lucy explained about the property and how she leased it out to be farmed.

“So you don’t farm any of it yourself?” Frank asked.

“I just have a small vegetable garden. Sometimes I sell tomatoes and peppers if I have too many but usually I just can them.”

“You can tomatoes?” Alicia asked joining in the conversation.

“With the jalapenos mixed in them.” Lucy smiled, “Makes them perfect for making salsa year round.” She picked up a chip, “Or chili.”

“I would never have thought to do that.” Alicia said.

Mikey snickered “Like you’d know how to can tomatoes.”

Alicia frowned at him. “I’m sure I could learn.” She spoke to Lucy, “You could teach me, right?”

“Sure, if you’d like.”

Alicia already had another plan forming in her brain, “We could pick up some veggies tomorrow.”

Lucy nodded, “But I’m not sure why you’d can. You can buy fresh here almost year round.”

“That’s true.” Alicia said “But I really like the chili idea. If I had the tomatoes and peppers already it would be great just to add the meat and make chili. That would be a quick dinner.” She grinned, “I like spicy chili.”

“Me too.” Lucy answered. “The spicier the better.”

Mikey finally spoke. “Damn, these tamales are good.” He was already unwrapping the corn husk off another.

“Glad you like them.” Lucy was very happy everyone seemed to like the dinner.

“Best cheese enchilada I’ve ever had.” Frank said staring on his second. “The fresh salsa sets them off perfectly. Jamia would love these.”

“So” Mikey said slowly wanting to change the subject to one that was troubling him. “About tomorrow…”

“Things better go smoother than they did today.” Gerard grouched.

“Hey, were just lucky the fans that showed up today agreed to come tomorrow.” His brother reminded him.

For the remainder of the dinner the band members discussed the shooting. Lucy sat back listening and watching. It was a good feeling realizing she didn’t feel like and outsider.

Several hours later after firming up tomorrow’s plans, Frank, Mikey and Alicia said goodbye. Lucy immediately started back to the kitchen. As she stated to wash the dishes she’d left to soak Gerard joined her at the sink.

“Gee, go take your shower.”

He frowned, “I will as soon as I help you.”

She smiled, “Hey, you’re tired. So shower, this honestly won’t take me that long.”

He glanced around at all the dirty dishes.

“I’m serious, Mr. Way. Go shower.”

“Bossy little thing, aren’t you?” He slid his arms around her waist to nuzzle her neck.

“Yes, I am.” Lucy laughed. “Shower, now.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

When he returned to the kitchen twenty minutes later Lucy was still at the sink washing the last of the dinnerware.

She gasped when his arms once more slid around her waist not having heard him enter the kitchen. As he pressed his warm body to hers she tried to ignore the immediate response her body had to his. “Uh, Frank was really nice.”

Gerard didn’t want to talk about Frank. He slid his hands around her to wet his fingertips in the water then lifted them to cup her breasts.

“Oh” Lucy leaned back against him as he began to caress her nipples through the thin material of her tee.Still she tried to keep her mind at the task she was completing. “Gee, I need to finish the dishes.”

“I think what I need is more important.” He whispered in her ear.

“What you need?” Her voice was breathless.

“What we both need.” He licked the soft spot just under her ear.

Lucy turned in his arms her eyes growing wide as she saw he was nude. “Oh, my.”

He smiled, “Oh my, indeed.” Again he pulled her close.

“But the dishes…”

“Aren’t going anywhere.” His lips crashed down on hers.

The kiss only left them both wanting more.

“I’m just trying to decide if I want to take you to the bedroom.” He caressed her back, “Or simply make love to you here.”

Lucy’s eyes flashed with desire. “Bedroom is awful far.”

“Yeah, it really is.” Gerard grinned. “So I think…” He backed Lucy up several steps towards the breakfast bar. “I think it’s only right since I had such a good dinner I get my desert now.”

He saw Lucy’s eyes grow wide as he lifted her up onto the stool.

“Gee” She whispered trying to make her mind work but her body was in control.
His arms were around her, his palms firm on her back as he held her close and kissed her. She could feel his hard-on pressing against her belly so she scooted forward slightly to rub her hips against him.

His hips pressed back, grinding into her. He left her mouth, kissing his way across her cheekbone to her neck. He pulled an earlobe into his mouth, sucking and biting on it gently. Her belly clenched.

“Gee, please” she whispered as he traced the neckline of her tee with his tongue.

He quickly pulled the shirt over her head then placed his face into her cleavage. She felt his breath on her skin, a warm, steamy rush of air.

“So hot.” He murmured as he nuzzled her breasts through the silk of her bra. She shuddered as he opened his mouth over her nipple, pulling it, silk and all into his mouth.

Lucy was so turned on she grabbed his arms to keep from swaying.

“Easy, Honey.” He said against her skin. His hands slid down to her lower back.
Lucy wanted more, a lot more.

She slid her arms around him, down the warm, still damp skin from the shower. When her hands cupped his butt she heard him make a frustrated noise as he used his teeth to tug her damp bra cup down. The heat of his mouth on her bare nipple made her gasp.

“I need to taste you, Lucy.”

“Yes” She whispered leaning back.

His fingers trembled as she lifted her hips so he could peel her jeans off her body. Once the jeans and panties were on the floor beside her tee he smiled. “I thought about this all day.”

Slowly she spread her legs so he could once more move between them.

“I love you.” Gerard whispered as his mouth once more found hers. When the kiss ended he smiled into her eyes then fell to his knees.

“Oh” Lucy cried out as his fingers began to explore between her thighs. She started to pant already close to losing it.

“I need to taste you.” He said again and again.

She loved how out of control he sounded, how desperate. She wanted him to want her, to need her as much as she needed him.

As she watched through hooded eyes he spread her legs even further apart. Gerard looked up at her, a brief, intense moment before lowering his head. She braced her weight back on her arms.

The first touch of his tongue nearly sent her over the edge. Her whole body jerked and Gerard’s hands clamped on her thighs. He pressed closer, his tongue hot and wet and fast against her as he kissed her with big, greedy open mouthed hunger.

Too quickly she felt her climax rising inside her. She fought it, wanting to savor every last second. Gerard’s hands slid up the outside of her thighs to her hips to draw her closer again. She tried hard to hold out, but he was so avid, so intense…Her back arched, her hips trembled as she came, her hips pushing against the grip of his hands. He rode out her orgasm and kept kissing her, still hungry for more.

Lucy gasped, quivering with arousal. It was too much. She grabbed a handful of his hair and used it to drag his head up. His gaze was unfocused, his expression distracted as he looked at her.

“Are you trying to kill me?” Lucy panted.

He looked dazed a second then smiled, “Sorry but damn woman, you taste so fuckin’ good.”

His words sent her emotions into a frenzy. “Come here” she urged. As soon as he was on his feet she pulled him close, her mouth crashing against his while her hands reached down between them. She guided his erection between her thighs. The first nudge of his hardness against her made her inner muscles tighten. Then he was sliding into her, thick and long and exactly what she needed.

He kissed her as his cock stroked her, his whole body hard and focused. He filled her utterly, stretching her and every thrust sent shivers of reaction through her.

Desire tightened low in her belly for the second time.Gerard broke the kiss to bury his face in her neck.

“You feel so good, so right.” He whispered.

“Yes” Lucy’s voice was soft, “So right.”

His hands tightened on her hips as he thrust deeper, harder into her. She met him thrust for thrust titling her hips to deepen the penetration. She felt the exact moment when he reached the end of control. His body slammed into hers in one final, deep stroke. He pressed his hips into hers, his mouth open on her neck. He exhaled in a rush that almost sounded like a sob. She forgot to breathe as the last shudders of his body tipped her over into her own climax. She tightened around him, milking the last of his orgasm, totally lost to everything but the feel of him in her, around her.

Gerard took a deep breath. “Best desert ever.”

Lucy giggled while stroking his back. “Yeah, I agree. Glad you like my cooking.”

Still inside her he moved back slightly to look into her eyes, “I love everything about you.” His fingers stroked her cheek, “Everything.”

The intensity of his words took her breath away.

Slow he slid out of her then took a step back. “Now woman, you go take your shower and I’ll finish the dishes.”

When she started to shake her head his eyes narrowed, “Now, Lucy.”

“Okay” She slid off the chair, her legs still slightly wobbly.

“I’ll make us a fire in the bedroom when I’m done here.”

Lucy giggled, “Uh, you might want to put some clothes on first.” She glanced at his skin now covered with goosebumps.

Gerard laughed, “Yeah, guess I should.”

As they walked down the hallway towards the bedroom he couldn’t help but voice his deepest concerns. “Do you like it here?”

The question caught her off guard but when she glanced over at him and saw his expression she understood. “Gee, I love being with you.”

While that wasn’t exactly the answer he’d been looking for he decided for now he’d take hope in her words.

Notes

Going to take a little holiday break...the next chapter will be next Tuesday. Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate the holiday. Love you all and thanks for reading.