A couple of days later it was time for the big date for Chris and Stephanie. He had never been more nervous about going out on a date, of course it didn't help matters that this was his first real date without any parents around. Unsure of what to wear he went through his closet pulling out a pair of jeans and a light blue polo shirt that Stephanie absolutely loved on him. Shortly after getting dressed his mom had called him downstairs because the car that Jon had gotten for them was there to pick him. He told his parents goodbye then walked outside becoming more and more nervous as he got into the car that would take him to the Bongiovi house.
Jon was in charge of keeping the boys out of Stephs hair while her mom helped her get ready. He couldn't believe that his baby girl was going on a date. He swore to got she still wore pigtails but knew deep inside she was turning into a beautiful and intelligent woman.
Upstairs in her bedroom, Stephanie had about 20 different shirts spread out on the bed looking all of them over. She wanted tonight with Chris to be perfect and had to make sure she had the perfect outfit that he would like.
"Mom, why didn't you tell me dating was so stressful?"
"Because its been a very long time since I did it." Dot laughed and pointed to a light peach shirt. "That ones cute sweetheart."
She walked over and picked up the shirt and held it up as she looked in the mirror. "Cute, but what if Chris doesn't like it?" she asked looking back at her mom in the mirror.
"Baby let me tell you a secret about boys." Dot smiled. "If you're happy with how you look 90% of the time they are more than pleased."
"Yeah but you still have that 10% that doesn't." she laughed.
"They are the dumb boys you'll date in your life. Like Mike was." Dot laughed.
Steph rolled her eyes walking past her mom. "Let's not even talk about that dumb ass."
"You got it baby." Dot smiled as she heard the gate buzzer. "Ok baby he's here you look gorgeous. We don't want to go down yet let him talk to your dad a bit, its good for them to wait."
"But mom if dad talks to him they will be talking football all night which means no date for me!"
"You'll be fine I'll make sure dad shuts up in a few minutes. Breathe, put your ipod on and listen to your favorite song then come down, I wanna meet Chris again."
"Okay." She grabbed her ipod and sat down on her bed listening until her mom came back up to get her.
Dot went downstairs.
Jon led Chris into the family room while Jesse took the two younger boys upstairs. "So tonights the big night huh?" Jon asked the young man who seemed even more nervous than the first time they met.
"Yes, the first unsupervised date. My dad actually chaperoned our first two dates." Chris admitted while sitting down across from Jon.
"Did he?"
"Yes. Did Mrs. Bongiovi's dad every supervise your dates?" Chris asked and then stood up as Dot walked into the room. "Mrs Bongiovi good evening."
Dot smiled at him, "Good evening Chris, Steph will be down in just a minute." Dot looked over to Jon to see his thoughts, normally when it came to his kids he was pretty easy to read.
"To answer your question no Mr. Hurley never supervised any of our dates. We started dating when we were 17." Jon explained.
"But kids your age I think can be trusted right?" Jon asked looking him directly in the eye.
"Mr Bongiovi I respect both Stephanie and her parents. Yes I can be trusted to protect her and treat her properly." Chris answered honestly.
After hearing that Jon leaned back on the couch and placed his arm around Dot's shoulder. "That's all I ask."
"Chris you do remember I'm a 4th degree black belt right?" Dot asked.
"Yes ma'am" he smiled. "Steph told me you taught her a few things too"
Dot smiled softly, "I'll go see if she's ready." She then got up and walked out of the room.
Stephanie was upstairs pacing the floors listening to her ipod when her mom came in. "Hey baby girl, you ready? Chris looks as nervous as hell."
"Good then I'm not alone." she smiled looking up at her mom.
"What's he got on?"
"Jeans and this light blue shirt, looks pretty good." She smiled.
"Come on lets not leave him waiting anymore, dad will start talking football any moment."
"Oh I hope its that blue one I love!" she gushed walking out the door with her mom. "He is so cute in that!"
"I know how you feel there are some shirts your dad wears that I like much better than others."
"You like him without one." she giggled going down the steps.
"Well yeah!" Dot smirked. "I'm not going to tell you to look at his body but I will and trust me - its easy on the eyes." She smiled.
"Well here we are." Dot said lout enough for Chris to hear. He immediately stood up to look at Steph.
His eyes widened when he saw her and a smile went across his face. "Wow Steph, you look really nice."
Steph walked over to him and took his hand. "Thanks, you know I love that shirt." She smiled.
He put his head down and blushed a little. "Yeah i do."
"I'm glad you wore it you look hot." She told him.
Jon was on the couch clenching his jaw listening to his girl talking.
"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you guys?"
Dot went over and took Jon's hand as he said that. "Jon they have a car you got them, they'll be fine. Stephanie curfew is 10pm."
Dot let go of Jon's hand and grabbed the camera. "Steph lets take a picture."
Stephanie thanked her mom without words and turned to Chris. "Do you mind?"
'No that's fine." he smiled wrapping his arm around Stephanie's waist.
Steph leaned in closer allowing her mom to take a few pictures.
Chris smiled for the camera as he took in the sweet smell of his date's perfume. It was all he could do not just lean over and kiss her but he really preferred to live at least until he was old enough to drive so he opted not to.
After a few pictures Stephanie looked at Chris. "Ok I hang out with my parents enough can we leave?"
"Yeah." He took her hand into his and started walking toward the door with Jon and Dot following. "I'll have her back at 10 Mr. and Mrs. Bongiovi."
"If not I know where to find you." Jon smiled.
"Yes sir." Chris responded.
"Dad stop it, we'll see you later." Steph kept hold of Chris' hand.
Jon stood at the door and watched his little girl going on her first real date. "My little girl isn't so little anymore is she?"
"No baby she's not but she's got a great head on her shoulders so we can be sure she'll be fine. I gave the driver explicit instructions before I came into the family room, she is his responsibility should anything occur."
"So I have somebody else to kill if something happens to my daughter?"
"Nothing will happen to her. First of all Chris is a great kid and secondly Steph is exceptionally smart and can take care of herself. She has her cell and the driver will be her bodyguard if needed."
He had a tear in his eye while he listened to his wife. "I know she will be fine Dot, but I just didn't think it would be this hard to let her go."
"You're going to be a bubbling fool at her wedding aren't you?"
"No." he sniffed wiping his eye. "Got dirt in my eye I think."
"Yep sure honey. You wanna go play with boys to get your mind off things. I'm gonna go find a hotel to reserve for a week."
"Yeah I think I will."
"Ok if you need me I'll be in my office." She kissed him and went upstairs.
"Alright."" he sighed walking upstairs to to find the boys.
Dot walked over to her desk and got back in front of her computer, she still didn't know where she wanted to go so she was looking everywhere.
After finding the boys and realizing he wasn't wanted he walked down to Dot's office and knocked on the door.
Dot looked up at the door, "Come in."
Jon walked in with his hands in his pocket. "Whatcha doin?"
"Trying to determine where to vacation.'
He took the chair that was across the room and put it behind the desk beside her then sat down watching her.
"What happened with the boys?" She asked as she put in South Carolina for a hotel search.
"They were playing a video game and didn't want me in there." he sighed putting his elbows on the desk and his hands in his face.
"Well that's not nice the booted you?" Dot smiled.
"Yeah and I'm fun guy so what the hell?" he laughed softly.
"They just have to get used to daddy being home. What game were they playing?"
"I bought the damn thing the least they can do is let me play."
"They were playing Rock Band which by the way I think I would be good at!"
"Honey you can't play Rock Band you're a professional Rock Star its an unfair advantage." Dot smiled and kissed him softly. "Its hell for you to have nothing to do isn't it."
"Yeah between that and my wife running away for a week it is."
"Hey its only a week you'll appreciate me more." She smiled.
"I'll appreciate it if you don't leave." he smiled directly back to her.
"Yeah you'll appreciate IT if I don't leave but when I do leave you'll appreciated ME."
"You are very appreciated baby."
"Jon its just time for you to be a dad full time. Its only a week can
you give me this? Or do I need to comply with your wishes here." She asked feeling defeated.
"No you can go." he sighed as he stood up.
"Why are you pouting?"
He stood there looking out the window which faced the driveway. "I'm not."
"Yes you are you can't lie to me when you're face to face with me."
"Lucky for me I'm not facing you then huh?" he smiled.
"Talk to me Johnny."
"What about?" he asked as he turned around to face her.
"About what you're feeling. You know you're not on the road with a 10 hr time difference and only a phone to get to me. I'm right here, I'm your best friend, what's going on in your head."
"I don't know Dot, I guess it's just the fact that when I'm on the road I can't wait to get back to you and......" He paused sitting back down in the chair beside her trying to figure out how to say it without making her feel guilty.
"And now that you're home I can't wait to leave?" She questioned wondering if thats what it was.
"Yeah." His eyes were filled with hurt when he looked back up at her. "Is that bad of me to think that? I know that you of all people deserve a vacation and I don't want to stop you from going."
Dot shook her head and looked down. Damn it she needed this, she really wanted this, was it too much to ask to want Jon to pull his fair share when it came to the kids. All she wanted was a week off he's never had them all to himself it’s not fair. But then Dot did what she always has done. She's never really demanded anything from him and she wouldn't demand this either. "Ok I won't go." She moved to shut off her laptop and give up something she wanted because it didn't fit in for Jon.
"Dot what are you doing?" he asked a little confused. "I said I didn't want you to go but you deserve it."
"But if I go you'll whine and complain and feel neglected so I'll just not go."
"You have put my feelings ahead of yours more times than I can count. Me and the kids will take care of each other."
"Well if you supposedly feel that way why are you pouting?"
"Because deep down I know exactly how you are going to feel after a couple of days. And I hate to see you go through that."
"Well Jon if what you say is true and I'm so weak I just can't handle it then I'll come home, no big deal."
"Or we could be on the first flight to meet you." he smiled
"Yeah keep the jet fueled." She kissed him.
"You know I will!"
"So are all your sisters going?"
"No just me."
"Just you!" He was definitely not liking the fact that her sisters weren't going and it wasn't so much that he worried about her because she could take care of herself he just knows how lonely it can get.
"I need a little quiet time Jon. Can you allow it?" She asked taking his hand really needing a break, having two teenagers and two toddlers in the house had really pushed her limits of patience and it was time she recouped.
"Sure baby, but just know that I will just be a phone call away." He told her then laughed softly because she's normally the one that tells him that.
"That sound familiar." She smiled.
"Just a little."
Chapter 42
Steph got out of the car first at the restaurant she could tell that Chris wasn't used to having a driver so she told the driver they would need him back after dinner to go to the movie theater.
"I'm glad we're here I'm starved!" Chris told her as he opened up the door for her to go in.
"Me too." Steph walked into Applebee’s with him. Luckily they've lived in Red Bank long enough that unless she was with her dad normally people just let her be. Thinking of the incident the other day though she took Chris' hand. "Honey."
"Somethin' wrong?"
"I just want to apologize now in case photographers attack us. My dad and I got harassed bad the other day I had to call your dad to arrest him. I don't know if he had friends."
"Oh don't worry about it Steph." He smiled as the waited on the waitress to come up and seat them. "My dad told me happened and said if we had problems tonight to call."
"Thanks." She smiled hoping that her famous dad didn't scare him off because of the drama. The waitress quickly seated them and Steph felt more comfortable no one besides Chris was looking at her.
He looked over the menu while glancing up at Steph occasionally.
"Do you believe we're actually out without any parents?" Steph asked not liking the quiet.
"Yeah it's pretty cool." he smiled showing both dimples.
"So what are you hungry for?" She asked looking back down at her menu.
"I think I'm going to get a burger. What about you?"
"Chicken tenders. They have the best honey mustard sauce here."
He scrunched up his nose. "That shits nasty!"
"What? Oh no way that's it - check please." Steph laughed like she was going to leave him on that basis alone.
Chris started laughing himself as he put the menu down. "Dang your tough!"
"I was taught at a young age to go after what you want. I guess it kind of stuck." She wanted so bad to kiss him but didn't do anything. "So are you allergic to anything?"
"Not that I know of and I hope I don't find anything tonight!"
"Yeah, I have a friend that we went out and she found out she was allergic to crab seasoning while we were having crab fries, no fun there."
"Definitely not fun at all."
"So what's something about you I don't know?" Steph asked him right before the waitress came up.
"Can I take your orders?" She asked.
"Ummm I want a hamburger with no onions and Steph you wanted chicken tenders right with honey mustard right?"
Steph nodded at him. "And to drink?" The waitress asked
"I want a Mountain Dew. What about you Steph?"
"Ice tea please."
"And an iced tea for the lady." he smiled.
"Excellent, any appetizers?"
He looked across the table at Steph and shrugged his shoulders.
She nodded her head yes, they don't eat a lot of junk food at her house so this would be a treat.
"Mozzarella sticks okay?"
"Yes" She smiled huge.
He looked up towards the waitress and grinned. "I guess that's all we needed."
"Fantastic I'll have your drinks out in just a moment."
As the waitress walked away Steph felt a little guilty realizing she might be running up quite a tab. "I have money too, I know I'm high maintenance."
"We're good babe, besides that you're worth it."
"Thanks." She smiled. "We don't eat many fried foods at home I'm addicted when we go out."
"Really? How do you survive?" he joked.
"Well dad's psycho when it comes to working out and mom's a karate instructor so we eat healthy, I can snack on a mean carrot stick or apple." She joked.
"Glad I don't live at your house." he laughed.
"Jesse and I tried explaining to mom she was abusing us by not giving us fried junk food but no luck."
"Your mom seems pretty cool though. So does your dad."
"They both really are. Mom's more strict that dad but they rock. I really find their love fascinating. They've been together since they were 17 like 2 yrs older than us and they are still together and they are old now."
"Pretty cool, I hope I'm that lucky. I mean if I ever do decide to get married or anything."
"You don't' want marriage?" She asked. Like all young girls she's already pictured her wedding 3 times.
"Maybe one day, not anytime soon though!"
"Well yeah." Steph laughed as the drinks and mozarella sticks were brought out. "Yummy." She grabbed one right away.
"Any good?" He asked reaching over to get one out of the basket.
"Oh yeah, awesome." She smiled hoping he was having fun. What was she supposed to talk to him about on dates anyway.
"Hey didn't you say you like to ride horses?"
"Yeah I do why? Is that going to be our next date?"
"Maybe." The date must have been going better than he thought because she at least mentioned another date with him. "My grandpa has a ranch a couple hours away if you would want to go out with me and my dad next week. I mean if your mom and dad will let you."
"Oh that'd be awesome, as long as I'm home by 10 I bet they'd allow it. So do you ride English or Western?"
"Actually both, it just depends on which horse we get on."
"Some of your horses only respond to certain saddles?" She questioned, the horses she's been on she could ride either.
"No I just meant that a couple of the horses don't like the bigger saddles for some reason."
"Picky huh?" She laughed noticing they had finished the moz sticks and the waitress was arriving with their food.
"Just a little."
Steph quickly dug into her food and about 5 min later she couldn't stand it. "Chris."
He was in the middle of taking a bite of his burger so he just looked up at her so that she could ask her question.
"Whats up with us? Why does this seem awkward tonight?"
"Whatdya mean?"
"Well it seems like we don't' have much to say to each other, which is very odd for us."
"I'm afraid of saying something stupid."
"Well stop it I've said 10 stupid things already its all good."
"No you haven't."
"I think I have." She smiled at him. "I want us to just be ourselves, this isn't our first date, we've already kissed lets just enjoy each other."
After taking a sip of his drink he sat there staring at her, she was so pretty sitting there he could help but watch her. "Ok?"
"Steph, I really like you." There he said it's now out in the open, this will either make her run for the door or she will stay there with him.
"Good, I really like you too."
"I mean I really like you."
Steph took a sip of her iced tea and looked at him, "What do you mean Chris is there a code in the word really I don't understand?"
He moved out of his seat and went to sit beside her because he didn't want anyone to hear their conversation. "Do you ever wonder about other stuff - you know like things people do as a couple."
"You mean sex?" She instantly got disappointed because this is what happened with Mike too.
"No not that I mean you know just stuff."
"I don't' know what stuff you mean, explain if it isn't sex what are you talking about?" She was willing to talk to him and there were very few people in this are so she appreciated that he moved to sit next to her to keep their conversation even more private.
"I just mean like touching and stuff I guess." he shrugged getting a little flushed.
"Making out?" She asked him.
"Yeah I guess that would be it." he laughed softly.
"It must be fun because I heard mom say she missed making out almost more than sex with dad when he was gone. Do you know exactly what it is? I wonder about things I don't' know sometimes to answer your question."
"It starts out with kissing then goes to the touching I think."
"OH I like kissing." She smiled. "Where do we touch first?"
"I don't know but I"m pretty sure we shouldn't start in here." he joked putting his arm around her.
"Damn take all my fun away. Want a french fry with honey mustard, its yummy."
"Sure but I''m only trying this for you."
"Hey just don't eat them all when you fall in love with it." She feeds him a fry with the sauce.
"Mmmm that is good." he reached over and got another one but fed it to her instead of eating it himself.
"See stick with me I'll teach you all kinds of things." She smiled.
"You know I wanted to share my ice cream with you the other day but your dad was there."
"So you were afraid to feed me in front of dad?"
"Yeah he's bigger than me."
"He's harmless. He really is just a normal guy and like normal men that have little girls, he's wrapped around my finger." She smiled taking another fry.
"I can see how that happened. You're very persuasive." he teased.
"First born." She smiled. "So you never told for sure, Batman or Hancock? Serious or funny mode tonight?"
"Serious I guess. I mean if thats okay with you."
"Sure, Batman it is." She smiled as the waitress arrived with their bill only shaking her head at the fact he'd moved.
After the getting the check he smiled up at the waitress as he pulled the wallet out his back pocket. He leaned over toward Stephanie whispering so that the waitress couldn't hear him. "How much are we supposed to leave for a tip?"
The waitress walked away gracefully and Steph looked at him. "I'm not sure, dad always leaves lots. Hold on I'll find out." Steph quickly dialed her mom's cell phone.
Dot grabbed her cell off the desk pulling away from a kiss with Jon.
"Its Steph." She told him and opened it, "Hey Steph what's up?"
"How much do you really leave for a tip, dad leaves lots I don't
know the rules?" Steph asked her.
"15-20% is customary sweetie." Dot smiled.
"So dad sucked in math and history huh? thanks mom." Steph hung up and told Chris. "Mom says 15-20%."
Dot hung up the phone laughing. "You're daughter now thinks your math skills need work." She told her husband.
"Why? What does math have to do with anything?"
"She asked me what a real tip was cos dad leaves lots, when I told her the percentage she laughed, so dad sucks at math and history got it." Dot laughed and kissed Jon again.
"Hell that's just wrong." he laughed. "I'm just a nice guy."
"You know honestly though we probably should sit the oldest down and tell them what real people spend on things." She laughed.
"I get enough hell from my kids as it is Dot." he laughed
"You're so my Johnny." She laughed and hugged him close.
Back at Applebees, Chris had pulled out his phone and double checked the amount on the calculator then took the correct account from his wallet. "We can pay on the way out, are you ready?"
"Absolutely, I bet that gave mom another reason to pick on dad. Thanks." She smiled getting up.
He stood up and held his hand out to her helping her get out of the booth. "She picks on him alot huh?"
"Not in a mean way but its what he likes. See most people think he's larger than life, hes like 1000 peoples boss, so when he comes home and we all pick on him and treat him normal his eyes smile."
"Thats cool but I'm guessing I better not joke with him because I want to stay on his good side." he smiled walking up to the counter and paying the check.
"No, quite the opposite, treat him like a normal person, kiss his ass and your bad list."
"But he's your dad Steph, I have to kiss his ass." he joked.
"No you don't. Just treat me right and pretty much he's ok with you."
He was a little apprehensive with what she had said but he was going to do just that because he really did like her. "I hope he is."
Steph smiled and took his hand in hers. "Don't' be scared of my dad ok, he'll only get in your face if you disrespect me."
"I promise I won't do that." He looked down at the ground then back up to her with a sincere look on his face. "And I promise I won't make you do anything you don't want to."
"Thanks Chris." She smiled and looked up at him wanting a kiss but she wasn't going to initiate it.
A million thoughts were going through his head when she smiled at him with those blue eyes that could melt any guys heart in a second. "Steph..." He bit on his bottom lip a for a brief second considered just running away but did what he had been wanting to do since he saw her. He leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips.
Steph let the kiss linger.
She enjoyed the feeling and when he stopped it she smiled huge and then blushed. "Was I supposed to enjoy that so much?"
Standing there with a strange feeling going through his body he only nodded while having a smile as big as hers if not bigger on his face.
"Hey the car is here." She smiled and motioned towards the town car that the driver had the door opened for.
"Thank god." he replied softly because at least if he was sitting down his enjoyment of the kiss wouldn't show as much. By the time they got to the theater he should be okay or at least he hoped he would be.
Steph got into the car first like a seasoned pro, and turned appropriately so she gave Chris a great shot of her ass before sitting down.
His eyes focused on her as she climbed into the car. Could her jeans possible be any tighter? He was trying his best to be good like he promised Jon but she was not making it easy.
When he sat down next to her Steph realized something was wrong. "What's up Chris?"
"More than you know." he mumbled putting on his seatbelt. This was the first girl that had ever given him these feelings before and the fact he couldn't act on it was killing him. He'd never actually been with a girl and didn't really know what he was missing but he did his best to imagine it.
"Did I do something wrong?" Steph immediately ran through the last 20 min in her head as to how it related to the public, what they saw, what she said, what could be overheard and taken out of context. Did she get careless?
"No you didn't do anything wrong thats the problem." he smiled hugely.
"I don't' understand" She told him sitting next to him with her hands in her lap demurely.
"Well...." He sat there looking out the window not wanting her to see how red his face was.
"Kind of hard to explain."
"I'm sorry whatever I did."
"It's not exactly a bad thing i don't guess."
"Chris I don't understand and I don't talk guy. Spell whatever the hell is going on out to me in English or I'm going to have the driver take me home." She said boldly feeling her stomach flip around in knots.
"I ummm....I...." Before saying anything else he made sure the driver was completely focused on driving because he didn't want him to over hear. He moved over closer to her so that he didn't have to talk all that loud. "I have a hard on."
"Isn't that a good thing? We know you're happy to be around me."
He laughed softly. "Good for you I guess."
"I don't know how to make it go away. Sorry. Are you gonna be ok?" Steph asked not really knowing what to do for him.
He knew exactly how to make it go away but wasn't about to tell her how. "I'll be okay I think."
"When you were talking about touching each other is this what you meant? You want me to touch that?"
"Yeah but I mean I'm not gonna make you."
"But you want me to?"
"Sure." he smiled. "But only if you want to."
"Ok I'm getting confused again. Is this the next step after kissing?" Steph knew she was gonna have to think this through, was she ready to touch his hard on.
He shrugged his shoulder a little unsure himself. "That's what my older brother told me."
"What did your dad tell you?"
"He just told me that when I got older I would get curious about things and that it was okay to kind of explore as long as it didn't' get out of hand."
"Ok my dad told me I ws going to live in a convent so I guess parents don't know anything."
"A convent? That wouldn't be fun." he joked.
"Thats dad. I'll call my uncle Richie tomorrow he'll tell me the facts he's awesome like that."
"Maybe you could talk to your mom? Wouldn't she be honest with you?"
"If I mentioned anything about sex to my mom she'd instantly tell my dad and you'd be dead."
"Oh...umm then just call your uncle then cause I wanna continue my football career."
"I don't think dad is prepared to have a teenage daughter." She smiled.
"I don't think its just your dad, cause mine is the same way with my sister."
"Men." She laughed. "Are you ok now?" She asked softly as they were coming up for the movie theater.
"For now."
"So we can go to the movies now?"
Before he had a chance to respond the driver had came around and opened up the door for them. As soon as he got out he thanked the driver then took his date's hand while walking into the theater to get there tickets. Once inside they walked passed the concession stand and he stopped quickly. "Did you want some popcorn or anything?"
"Some water would be good, I'm not hungry."
"You sure?" He asked making sure because he did have the money to pay for it if she wanted something.
"Are you kidding me after that dinner I couldn't eat anything, but I"m thirsty."
Without saying anything else they walked over and got both of them a drink and a small order of popcorn for him. After they had gotten everything they needed they precede down the hallway to the place that Batman was playing. "Where do you wanna sit?"
"In the back, so no one we can see everything." She smiled to him but honestly the rule was to sit in back so less people would notice you.
He pointed over to the left hand corner in the very back. "Over there are two seats."
"Great." Steph headed in that direction and sat in the corner allowing him to be on the outside.
Just as they sat down the lights went down and the previews started. He put his drink in the holder in front of him then sat back with the popcorn in his lap so that he would have a free hand to reach over for hers.
Steph put her drink away too and held onto his hand. she looked around at the crowded theater. "Have you seen all the other Batman's?" She whispered to him.
"Yeah. Have you?"
"OH yeah." She smiled and then reached over and took a piece of popcorn popping it into her mouth with a smile.
He smiled softly glancing over toward her. "I thought you weren't hungry."
"I'm not." she smiled and then leaned against his shoulder.
With her leaning against his shoulder instinct kicked in and he released his hand from hers so that he could wrap his arm around her.
Steph was in about 10 kinds of heaven sitting there with his arm around her. All her life she's looked at her parents hugging and kissing and it looked fun, now she was able to hug and kiss someone too.
Halfway through the movie Chris still had his arm around with his hand resting just below her shoulder he started moving his fingers over her arm. He had seen his older brother do it with his girlfriend at the movies so he figured he would try to see what the big deal was about.
Steph smiled bigger and took another piece of his popcorn.
After a few moments his mind started to wander off into another world. He wanted so bad to kiss her while doing this but didn't want
to rush her into doing anything. Yeah they had kissed before but he was ready for the next step but his dad told him just a few weeks ago that its not all about what he wanted.
Steph looked up at him with want in her eyes, she wanted so much to try new things with him, but was it safe to try things in a movie theater.
With her looking back at him he swallowed hard before moving his mouth to hers again but this time it was more than a kiss for him, it was something he really couldn't explain. But the feelings going through his body was incredible and he wondered if she felt the same thing.
She kissed him back just as passionately as he kissed her. Damn she wondered if this feeling was why people kissed obsessively, all she wanted was more. He continued kissing her but smoothly moved his arm in behind her so that he could touch her side as they kissed.
Steph allowed the kiss to continue for about 10 min and then all the rules of what is proper behavior in public came back and she stopped him. "Ok we have to watch the movie."
When she stopped he was completely flustered but didn't want her to know. "I'll be back in a second." He stood up and literally ran out the door and into the restroom.
After being in there a few minutes and splashing cold water on his face he walked back out and returned to his seat.
Stephanie immediately felt like she did something wrong again. "I'm sorry."
Once again he wrapped his arm around her and assured her she didn't do anything.
"Can we do more of that when we're alone?" She whispered.
"You really want to?"
"Yes I like it but its the wrong place for it."
"I know I'm sorry." His eyes were focused completely on her as they talked. "Any suggestions on how to be alone?"
"My parents are having date night on Tuesday so we'll probably have a sitter I'm sure you can come over."
"Your mom and dad or going out on a date? Aren't they to old to do that?"
"They are old but its cute."
Chris just laughed then leaned back in the chair while she put her head back on his shoulder to continue with the movie.
About an hour later credits started to role so they decided to go ahead and leave because its less chance that she would get recognized. They walked outside hand in hand talking about the movie as they waited on the car.
"Wow it was so good.
"Yeah it was." He told her but wasn't exactly talking about the movie when he said that.
"You know I had an idea." She told him.
"What's that?"
"what if you come and hang out with the family a little this weekend so mom and dad know you aren't a bad guy then they won't automatically fear me hanging out with you alone."
"Do you think they would mind me coming over?" he asked a little excited knowing that he could spend the weekend with her.
"No not at all I'm allowed to have friends over, its not a secret camp or anything." She smiled as the driver opened the door for them. She quickly opened her cell phone to see what time it is. "Its 945 I should call home we're gonna be late I think."
"Great our first real date and I get you home late."
"Its not your fault silly." Steph pushed the memory dial for the house and waited until one of her parents answered.
Jon heard the phone ring and saw her number on the caller id so quickly picked up. "Steph it's almost 10."
"Thanks dad I've been able to tell time since I was 5. We just got in the car the movie just got out. We might be home like 5 minutes late but we're on our way."
"Alright I....ummm your mom and I will be waiting on you."
"Yes daddy, are there fans at the gate?"
"None that I know of baby girl." he smiled.
"Alright see you in a little bit."
"Okay...hey did he behave himself?" Jon asked curiously before hanging up.
Steph hung up the phone and looked at Chris. "We're all set."
"Good to hear."
"Thank you for taking me out tonight, I had a great time."
"Me to, maybe we can do this again next weekend. I mean if you want to."
After being with her most of the day his nerves had almost settled down so now he was actually able to think straight.
"I'd love it." Steph tells him. "I can call you tomorrow to let you know what mom and dad say about you coming over this weekend."
"Okay and if I can't that’s okay cause I understand that your dad is home."
"Chris he's not just home for the weekend finally now he's home for at least a year." She knew he didn't know dad's schedule. "When the tour is over its not quite family seclusion time anymore. For a few days it is but he doesn’t' get that he took mom to Hawaii right after he came home so all bets are off."
"So that means that you don't actually have to be there all the time then? You actually get to do other things except for when he's only
home for a few days." he questioned making sure he understood her correctly.
"Yep, you got it. Are you gonna be online later?" She asked leaning against them as they turn onto Navesink River Road.
"Should be if my sister isn't' on. My pc crashed so I have to use hers."
"Oh if you come over this weekend maybe I can get you a laptop dad has about 20 of the darn things."
"Thanks, but my dad said he would buy me another one when he got his bonus this month." he replied just as they turned down into the driveway.
Steph looked at the clock, "We did it its 958." She laughed and kissed him quickly.
"Now I just have to get you to the door in 2 minutes." he joked.
"No way I'm on the property can't get in trouble."
He laughed as he got out of the car and led her up the driveway to the front door. "Thanks for going out with me tonight." he told her softly.
"Thanks for inviting me." She smiled and then looked up at him. "Are you gonna kiss me goodnight or does my dad scare you to much?"
Inside house Jon had heard a car pull up and quickly walked over to the window and sure enough Steph and Chris were standing outside.
He smiled while he looked around to see if he could see anyone but it looked as if they were clear of any parents. "You know I have to it's only right that I do." he grinned moving closer to her.
"It is, it'll make me happy." She smiled back.
Dot walked up to the foyer, "Jon what are you doing?"
"Watchin' that little shit make a move on my daughter."
"Back away from the window Jon."
"Huh uh cause as soon as his lips land on hers I'm goin' outside!"
Dot put her hand on Jon's arm, "No you will not. Do you remember my dad?"
"Yeah and now I know why he did it."
"You are not going to embarrass our daughter, you are going to come over here with me and kiss me and remember all those kisses created that beautiful little girl outside trying to figure out here way in this world. Let her do it."
"Okay but I don't like this Dot!"
"I know baby but you have to trust that she knows what is right and wrong and she's gonna come to us if she needs our help."
"I know I know." He started walking over to the couch with her but kept turning his head back toward the window.
"They are fine, she's home if they stay out there and kiss for 20 minutes let them."
"My little girl is not going to kiss for 20 minutes."
"Why not, jealous? I'll kiss you for that long if it'll shut you up."
He tried holding back a smile because then she would know that she was right as usual so he just sat down on the couch for a couple of seconds. "I'm waiting"
Dot quickly straddled his lap and leaned in starting to kiss him softly then with more urgency.
Back outside the young couple stood there for a moment just staring at each other then he finally leaned into her.
Without thinking he put his hands on her hips as kissed her and she leaned into his body, this was so fun she wanted to keep doing it.
A few seconds later he pulled away from her slightly with a smile on his face. "I thought for sure your dad would come through that door when I kissed you."
"Mom is probably distracting him to give us some privacy."
"You have a pretty cool mom then." he smirked leaning into her once more.
"Yeah and an amazingly cool boyfriend." She kissed him again.
Being there with here made him happier than he had ever been. She was different, more laid back than the other girls he went to school with. The kiss continued for several moments until he felt something very familiar happening and he pulled back slightly hoping that she didn't notice because they were fairly close at the time.
"What time do you have to be home?" She gave him an out, that time she felt what his body was doing but knew what it was so she was ok.
"Curfew is at 11."
"I think I should go inside. Mom can only keep dad under control for so long." She smiled kissing him softly again but not leaning tight to him.
"Okay." He told her knowing that she probably thought he was a complete horn dog about now. "Call me tomorrow and let me know about this weekend though."
"Oh I will, I'll be online later so if you can get online I'll tell you then."
"Alright. Talk to ya then" He smiled and waved as she walked into the house then walked back to the car so that he could get back home in time.
Once inside the door she leaned back and smiled. Dating was fun.
In the middle of kiss Jon jumped up almost pushing Dot in the floor when he heard the door shut.
"Hey!" Dot scolded him.
"Sorry baby." he laughed. "My baby is home from her first real date."
"Our baby" She slapped him on the ass and this time it wasn't a soft slap.
"Ouch!" he bellowed rubbing his behind where she hit him. "That hurt!"
"Good." She stood up. "You almost dropped me on the floor."
"But I didn't did I?" he asked still having his hand on his ass.
"Don't' you dare fuck this night up for her." She warned him as she walked out into the foyer. She then turned to Jon and smiled when she saw the smile on Stephs face. "Look how happy she is."
"She does look happy and I'm not going screw this up."
"Hey Steph good movie?" Dot asked.
Steph immediately opened her eyes and ran over and hugged her mom. "MOMMY it was so amazing. He's the best."
Jon stood back watching his daughter who had officially grown up into beautiful young woman whether he liked it or not. Steph then ran over and hugged her dad. "Thank you for not going
caveman on him."
"Thank your mom." he smiled embracing his daughter. "So was he on good behavior tonight?"
"The best. He bought me dinner, and mozzarella sticks and water and we shared popcorn at the movie." Steph smiled huge, "Can he come over this weekend and just hang out with us, play on the boat and just walk around the yard. I want to see him more and more." Steph looked at her dad. "He was so respectful dad, he didn't wanna come over if it would interfere with family time. Can he please come over I wanna hold his hand."
Jon rolled his eyes as he turned his head toward Dot. She was in love with this boy already and Jon could tell by the way she just gushed about everything. "What do you think momma?"
"Go ahead and invite him over, we'll have a cookout tomorrow for dinner." Dot smiled. "Why don't you go upstairs and get ready for bed you've had a big day."
"Ok, thank you thank you. OH he invited me to go this grandpa's place next weekend to ride horses can I go?" She gushed more.
"You're mom and I will talk about." Jon smiled at the site of his daughter being so happy.
"Ok." She bounced upstairs. Dot smiled, "I remember our first date."
"Did you do that when you got home?"
"Will you ever stop being arrogant if I say yes?"
"Probably not." he teased.
"Ok then I can't tell you." She kissed him. "Ok lock up I'll me you upstairs."
He slapped her playfully on the ass when they broke the kiss. "I'll be up in a minute babe."
Dot smiled and walked upstairs. Its good to be his.
| Chapter 43 Stephanie no sooner got into her room when she picked up her cell phone and dialed Uncle Richie while logging onto her computer. Richie looked at his phone and laughed what was little miss Stephanie doing calling him. "Hey Steph what's up sweetie?" Richie answered sitting down on his couch. "Hey Uncle Richie.....are you busy." "No, never for you sweetie what's up?" She sat down in chair in front of the pc checking her email. "I just got back from my first real date and I'm kind of confused." "He treated you right didn't he?" Richie instantly got protective. "Yeah he was a perfect gentleman." "OK so where is the confusion sweetie." "It's just that we kissed and....well what is the next step after that?" "OK you're gonna have to give an old man a moment. What do you mean by next step Steph?" "Before I ask can you promise not to tell daddy I called you?" "Steph your asking me to keep something from my brother about his little girl? I can promise that unless and only unless your in danger then all bets are off - got me." Richie knew why she called him and didn't' talk with her old man, Jon has told her a million times she was gonna live in a convent so he bet she didn't figure he'd answer her. "No I'm not in any danger or anything but Chris may be." she giggle remembering watching him sit in his seat uncomfortably. "Chris is the boyfriend right?" "Yeah he's the hottie of the week." she joked. "Ok kiddo you aren't me so you don't get hotties of the week. Tell me what you need to know and I'll be honest with you like always." "It's just that when we were in the movies kissing he was kind of touching me on the arm and I got kind of a weird feeling. A good feeling but weird and I just wanted to kiss him more." "That means you like him sweetie, its supposed to happen." "I know that but what are we supposed to do after the kissing? Like is sex the next step because I don't want that yet." "No sex is not next. Your mom or dad never told you anything?" Richie asked wondering which parent of hers he was gonna have to kill, he's already told Ava the birds and the bees why didn't Steph know this. "Mom's already had that talk with me Uncle Richie I am 15 you know." "I'm glad you know that stuff. What's next is making out and necking have you heard those terms?" "Yeah mom and dad are always making out which kind of turns my stomach." she laughed. "But now that I know what kissing does to you I can't even imagine what thats like." "Well Steph has he ever touched you anywhere that your brothers wouldn't?" "No I mean I guess tonight he did but it was just my arm but his touch was so soft." she sighed drifting back into her dream world. "That’s because he wants to please you. The next step is kissing and touching each other. He'll touch your back and your butt, your legs, finally he'll get brave and go after the parts your bikini covers on the front. Make sure you don't let him touch that unless you want it not just him. And all this happens with your clothes on sweetie." "But how are we supposed to do all of that when we can't be alone?" "Sweetie you don't do it all at once. Every time you do get time alone you'll push the limits its how you figure things out. Like if you're on a date maybe he'll kiss you and rub his hands on your butt, then the next time you'll touch his. Trust me this is a really fun time in life, enjoy how each sensation feels and don't move onto the next one until you know you like the one you're at. The first time you try something new you'll probably be scared of what does it mean and what will he think, that's normal when that feeling vanishes then its ok to go to the next one. Never let him rush you, everything, absolutely everything about sex is on a woman's time table." Richie hoped she understood he really wanted her to have the facts but know she didn't have to do anything ever that she didn't want. "Yeah thats one thing daddy did tell me one time is that I don't have to do anything I don't want to. But I think he was just hoping I would never like a boy too." she smiled. "He probably was hoping that. I hope that about Ava too but I'm not dumb I know she will. You can talk to your dad you know. Just make him take the jovi oath that he won't act rash and then talk to him. He wants whats best for you sweetie that' all he wants." "I know but it's just kind of hard talking to him about stuff like this." "What about your mom can you talk to her at all?" "I could try I guess but if I ask her something about sex she'll freak." "Well ok honey you can always talk to me, just never do anything because you think if you don't he'll leave or be mad ok. If he's gonna be upset or leave because you won't do something then he's not worth doing it with." "Mom told me that a boy she dated did that but she moved on pretty quick because she knew there was something better than him." she laughed softly. "She found dad and he's supposedly better." "He's better, he cherishes her above and beyond everything except you kids so she did good." "I hope I find a guy like dad one day." She closed her eyes and scrunched up her nose. "Please don't' tell daddy I said that he's already conceded." she smiled. Richie laughed, I won't tell on one condition. You tell him you love him tomorrow ok?" "I think I can do that." "Any more questions sweetie?" "No not that I can think of but can I call you if I do?" "Anytime sweetheart, anytime." "Thanks Uncle Richie!" She smiled into the phone when she saw that Chris had logged on. "I gotta go talk to my man now." "Ok have fun. Night sweetheart, I love you." Richie smiled happy that Jon's kids trusted him so much. "Love you to Uncle Richie.....Bye." She hung up the phone right after that and immediately sent Chris an instant message to let him know that is was okay for him to come over tomorrow. | ||||
The next day around noon Chris' parents had dropped him off at the Bongiovi estate and when he stepped out of the car he walked over to the small intercom hoping somebody would answer quick because he really wanted to see Steph again.
Jon was getting ready to go out to the garage when he heard the buzzer go off at the gate so he punched in the code then walked outside the front door to motion them down.
Chris saw that Jon came out then went back over to get into the car. "I think he wants you to go on down."
"Well jump back in Chris." His mom told him.
He opened the back door nervously and slid into the back seat.
"Mom please don't embarass me......and you either dad." he told them sitting back into the seat.
"Calm down Chris we're just gonna meet him, we already know her mom." His mom told him as his dad drove them down.
"I know Im just nervous I guess"
As the car got down near the house Chris' dad parked it and got out. "Hello Jon I'm Tim and this is my wife Laura, Chris' parents."
Jon smiled holding out his hand to each of them. "Nice to meet you guys." He glanced around seeing Chris standing behind his dad. "Steph and the rest of the kids are around back if you wanna go around."
Romeo then came running around the side of the house and right into Jon's legs. "Daddy"
"Hey little man." Jon grinned picking up his youngest and placing him on his hip. "This is our youngest son Romeo."
"HI!" Romeo smiled and Chris' parents smiled back. "OH arent' you adorable.
How old are you Romeo?"
Romeo looked at his dad then tought a second. "I 5." He laughed to see if his dad would correct him.
"Try going back a few years." he laughed then looked at Chris' parents. "He just turned 4 a few months ago."
"Growing up to fast huh?"
Chris' dad laughed. "Chris said he was invited over today I just want to check what time you'd like us to pick him up?"
"We'll call ya later if that's okay."
We thought that since it was actually a nice day the kids could do some swimming."
"Dad is Chris here yet?" Steph asked walking around the corner of the house in her one piece swimsuit with shorts on over it. "Hi" She smiled huge.
Chris was so surprised to see her in that his eyes got as big as saucers then he started walking over toward her. "Hey Steph."
"Wow I've never seen him so mezmerized." Laura smiled. "There must be something special about your baby girl Jon."
"She's a very special girl." he smiled watching her. "And as bad as I hate to admit she seem's to think the same way about Chris."
"Something wrong with our son?" Laura challenged him, how dare anyone talk down about her baby.
"No..no I didn't mean it like that its just that she's my only daughter and well it's far a dad to let go of his little girl."
His eyes left Stephanie then he turned back toward Laura. "You're son is a perfect gentleman towards her and I respect that in him. Not many guys nowadays know how to do that." and that mainly has to do with the parents. You guys did a great job with him."
"Thanks Jon, Stephanie is amazing too, you did great with her she's so polite and respectful." Tim told him.
Hearing someone else say that made him thank Dot even more for raising her right. "I give my wife credit for that."
"Hi Mr and Mrs Braxin. How are you?" Stephanie finally realized someone else was there, her gaze leaving Chris for 2 minutes.
"Dey been here 2 hours Stepy." Romeo laughed to her.
Jon laughed putting his son down on the ground. "Why don't you go help mommy get the food ready buddy."
"Otay - bye." Romeo laughed and ran around to the back of the house.
"Hi Steph did you hae fun at the movies last night?" Laura asked. "Yes and thank goodness there was no need to call you Tim, everyone left us alone."
"Speaking of which I need to thank your for that the other day." Jon told him.
"OH no problem you have just as much right as anyone else to not get harassed. Glad I could help."
"Yeah and normally that doesn't happen around here that was just a one time occurence locally."
"Hopefully the creap tells his little friends to stay away." Steph commented letting her hand slide into Chris'.
"Dad will stop them if try though. Right dad?"
"Yes I will. You take care now and Chris don't over stay your welcome." Tim says as he shakes Jon's hand again.
"He's fine." Jon smiled looking at his daughter. "Maybe one weekend when you guys aren't busy we can all get together and do something." Jon suggested only wanting to get them no better because by the looks of it, Chris may be around for a while.
"Sounds great. Well we're off we'll talk to you later." Laura says getting back in thier car before they drive away. Before Jon could turn around Chris and Steph have turned and started walking out away from everyone else hand in hand.
As Jon stood there about to interrupt the gate beeped to open again and in came Richie in his BMW.
He motioned for Richie to park over near the garage then walked over there himself and waited for him to get out.
Richie got out letting Ava out from the backseat and waited for Hannah to exit the car. "Hey Jon, Dot called and told us to head over whats going on?"
"Steph invited her boyfriend over so we are having a little party."
"She has a boyfriend?" Ava asked, "How cool, can I have one too daddy?"
"Only an imaginary one sweetie."
Jon snickered at her comment. "Just wait Rich."
Hannah got her things together then got up out of the car leaning on the top after she shut the door. "Dot told me you were ready turn grey." she smirked
"You have no idea!" he laughed.
"It can't be that bad." Richie laughed. "Where is this kid?"
"He better be around back where I can watch him."
"Uncle Jon they are by the river." Ava told him.
"Huh? How do you know that, I just saw them walk around the house."
"Look." She pointed to the river bank where they were sitting facing one another talking.
"Hey at least they aren't doing anything they just wanna be alone." Richie told Jon.
"Like hell their gonna be alone."
"Jon we can see them, let her be or she'll pull a you." Richie warned him. He had a good idea Steph was just telling Chris what they talked about last night.
"Yeah you're all calm now, wait until that little girl starts dating and the hormones go all out of whack."
"She's already a virgin 2 yrs longer than you were, let her be come on lets go out back we can watch them from there." Richie patted his brother on the back while taking the stuff from Hannah and taking her hand in his.
"Hanna, Dot's in the house if you wanna go through the front door. I'm gonna walk around the long way."
"Sure." she smiled taking Ava's hand and going in through the front door.
Richie slapped Jon on the back and started walking around the house with him. "So how much have you told you little girl about boys anyway?"
"That they all want one thing." he joked.
"Seriously Jon, you never told her what to do with a boy? I had this conversation with Ava when we were coming home from Cali. I'm glad I did she knew about kissing and saw sex on tv and thought there was nothing in between." Richie knew that was playing dirty but it'd be enough to get Jon thinking.
"I've never actually talked to her about it. Dot did though."
"Maybe you should. I don't know maybe its just me but I think Ava took it a little better being I'm a boy and all you know she figured I kind of knows what I'm talking about."
He took in what Richie said and maybe he should talk to her but how would he even bring that up. "She's not going to listen to me anyway."
"How do you know? Jon that little girl idolizes you and not the way our fans do. Depends on how you approach her I'd say. Ava felt it was a little odd but then when she knew I'd be honest with her I think it helped."
"Maybe I should talk to her I guess. How did you even bring it up to Ava?"
Richie put the things down that Hannah brought and smiled. "I honestly did it horrible. I just sat down next to her and said lets talk about boys and sex Ava. She turned 100 shades of red and told me I was a dork. I don't recommend that approach.'
"Almost as bad as my talk with Jesse." Jon laughed while still keeping an eye on his daughter.
"OH really you talked to your 13 yr old but not your 15 yr old - what the hell were you thinking. She's got a boyfriend." Richie said.
"Well actually he's got a little girlfriend, which he's already got his ass busted for."
"Oh shit, what'd he do?" Richie asked as he noticed Steph and Chris start walking towards them hand in hand.
"Lied to Dot about where he was at." He put on a smile when he saw his daughter coming back.
When Richie knew Steph was within ear shot he spoke loud enough so she would know he wasn't talking about her. "So Jesse lied - where was he and where did he say he was?"
"HI sweetheart how are you?" Richie said over to Steph.
Steph let go of Chris' hand long enough to hug her Uncle. "I'm great Uncle Richie. This is Chris my boyfriend."
"Well hey there Chris," Richie stood to shake his hand. "You best treat my girl right." Mixing no words he let Chris know that Steph had many people watching out for her.
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