Chapter Ten, Peacocks
Posted by DiF on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Title: Don’t Look Away: Chapter Ten, Peacocks
Rating: NC-17 [language, drug use, fellatio, nudity]
Summary: The flashback continues and ends. Pete tries to come up with something for The Who to record. Cady has a friend over.
Had she not been as high as a kite, she probably would have spun around and kneed the presumptive man in the groin. Instead, as his magical fingers caressed her skin a moment before his lips did, she closed her eyes and leaned back on him. It really was not like her to be so lackadaisical, but it also was not like her to drop acid or anything else for that matter in public. Ah but there was a first time for everything, no?
“Hello, beautiful. Where have you been all my life?” he breathed in her ear.
“Here, there, everywhere,” she responded in a low voice.
Jimi smiled, “Can I buy you a drink?”
Cady leaned back more on him, pivoting her head to look into his eyes, “You can buy me anything you want, magic man.”
He grinned a bit more, “Don’t leave. I’ll be right back.”
Her eyes wandered over her friends, but none of the girls seemed to be paying any attention to her at all. Or maybe they were and she just could not perceive it at all – what with the walls throbbing and all. She needed to get out of there if she did not want this trip to go bad. It was already teasing the edges of a bad trip. She needed out.
“Hey, baby,” the smooth talking singer approached her with a glass of something.
“Leave,” she nearly whispered. “Take me away.”
About to ask what she really wanted from her contradictory statements, his eyes met hers. He suddenly understood. Handing the two drinks to two of her friends, his hand quickly folded over hers. Leading her back through the crowd, Jimi collected his guitar and small amp before slipping out the back door. Cady hesitated in the alleyway, her eyes widening as she looked at the dirty bricks, smelt the rotting refuse, her toes splashing in a putrid puddle. Without the sonic assault of someone spinning records or singing, her trip was instantly thrust in upheaval. The alley was certainly going to eat her.
“I… I can’t go this way,” she muttered, tugging on his hand and attempting to go back to the café.
As her eyes went to the door they had just stepped out of, Cady gasped. There was no way that hell mouth had spat them out. No way at all.
His hand did not release her and he stepped closer, “Come with me, beautiful. Let me take you to a castle in the sky.”
Turning back to him quickly, she stumbled forward, her nose bumping his, “All right.”
“And then he took me back to his apartment,” Cady stated abruptly. “I only saw the girls once more when I went and got my things.”
Pete’s brows knitted in confusion, “So you got together with Jimi because of acid?”
“Uh, well, sorta. I left Club Wha with Jimi because of acid but my trip was nearly over by the time we reached the hotel he was living in then.”
“And you stayed with him because?”
Cady closed her eyes, “It’s complicated, Pete. The gist is Jimi made me feel wanted, desired, needed – just as I was. He saw me, Pete. In any crowded room, his eyes would still find me, still focus on me.”
“What changed?”
“Jimi did. England changed him. But I would suppose England changed me too. He started to see other women in the crowd. And I fell in love with you,” she answered. Had you not kissed me that night, I would probably still be with him.”
He smiled crookedly, his fingers dancing across her forehead, “You’re the reason that even happened. I did not have the courage to speak to you. A big reason I kept going to see Jimi play was to see you. But I didn’t have the courage to speak to you.”
“I remember,” Cady sat up, her eyes locking once more with Pete’s. “Will you always find me in the crowd, Pete?”
“I will find you anywhere in the world, baby. Anywhere in the world.”
Smiling Cady kissed him before getting to her feet, “Show me more of this park before we go and get something to drink. Telling the beginning of that story made me parched.”
His hand closed over hers once more and he slowly led her from the grassy shadows. They passed through more flowers until the path opened up to another grassy area with a central fountain. Gasping Cady covered her mouth with her free hand. In the open area a dozen peacocks roamed, squawking, preening, and displaying their fantastical feathers.
“Pete,” she breathed, “I have never… I have never seen peacocks before.”
He kissed her temple quickly, “Shall we sit here and watch for awhile?”
“I… just for a bit.”
The couple found a bench this time. His arm quickly slipped behind her. His opposite hand reached across his body and clasped hers. Her large blue eyes remained happily focused on the colorful birds. She giggled as the peacocks shook their tail feathers in hopes of gaining the attention of the less colorful peahens. Reveling in her child-like fascination, Pete could not help the goofy smile stretching across his face. He wondered what other things he could show her that would excite her so much. Where in the world could he take her to expose her to such wonders?
“Cady, where in the world haven’t you been?”
Her eyes left the peacocks briefly, “An easier question to answer is: where have I been?”
“Okay. Where have you been?”
“London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid, Rome, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Monterey… um, I may have been other places as a small child. But that’s where I’ve been the past few years,” she answered. “And add in all the places Jimi toured.”
Pete nodded, “Where would you like to go?”
She shrugged, turning her attention back to the birds, “I’ll go wherever you go, Pete.”
“That’s not what I’m asking.”
“I know. But I’ve never really thought about it before,” she shrugged.
He kissed her temple again, “One day I’ll show you all the wonders in the world.”
“Oh, but, Pete, you’ve already shown me the greatest one: love.”
With Pete tinkering in the room that would become his studio, Cady re-arranged their living room once more. Leaning on the couch after pushing it across the room, she looked around and frowned. It still was not quite right. And she was not sure why. Something was missing. In addition, she did not know whose opinion she wanted. Pete was far too preoccupied – as he should be as he was expected to have a song written for the following day. The only people she knew thus far in London were Karen, the band, Kit. Oh and Jimmy Page. Of those choices, Cady thought Jimmy to have the strongest aesthetic eye. But it probably would not be a good idea to call him up and invite him over. However, he was her best option.
Glancing in Pete’s direction, she watched him hurry pass the door, a bundle of cords in his arms. Figuring he was as distracted as ever, she slipped into the bedroom and located the purse she carried when she met Jimmy the day before. Clicking it open, Cady quickly dug out a slip of paper. Reading the scribbled digits, she headed back out to the living room and picked the phone off the floor. Checking quickly for a dial tone, Cady dialed the numbers. Nervously her eyes darted to the open door, looking once more for Pete.
“Hello?” a familiar voice interrupted her spying.
“Hey. It’s Cady. We met yester–”
“Hello, Cadence. How does the evening find you?”
She could not help the smile on her face, “At home and in quite a quandary.”
“Why would that be?”
“Well, you see, Pete and I bought furniture today,” she began. “And something just isn’t right.”
“How do you mean?”
“That’s just it. I can’t figure it out,” she responded.
“What does Townshend think?”
“I haven’t asked. He’s busy setting up a studio.”
There was a brief pause, “And you called me because…?”
“I… I don’t know many in London and I was wondering if maybe you would consider coming over and see what you think,” she claimed softly.
Jimmy said nothing, instantly making Cady panic. Maybe it meant nothing. Maybe he was one of those who thought out each answer carefully. Or maybe the line had gone dead. Maybe she should not have called. Maybe–
“When does Townshend leave?”
“Uh… I’m not sure. I think they were going to meet around noon,” she responded.
“I shall be by at one o’clock then,” Jimmy stated. “What is your address?”
Stretching for the small white lamp next to the bed, Cady clicked it on. Her fingers reached for the clock and turned its face towards hers. Frowning at the display, she sighed and rolled out of bed. Padding barefoot and naked save for a pair of lacy pink panties, she headed to Pete’s room. Standing in his open doorway, Cady leaned against the frame. Her eyes focused on him as he messed with knobs, plugging and unplugging cords from the deck.
“Pete,” Cady spoke up after watching him for a few minutes.
He did not glance up from his work nor paused in indication of hearing her.
“Pete,” she repeated louder.
His eyes briefly flicked to hers, “Cady.”
When his eyes went back to the table, apparently not even noticing her state of dress, she sighed and entered the room fully. Without even thinking about it, her fingers reached for his hands, pulling them away from their task. His eyes went to hers as his mouth opened in protest. Before he said anything, she kissed him and sat in his lap.
“Baby,” she kissed him again, “it’s after three in the morning. Come to bed.”
“I can’t,” he replied.
“Of course you can.”
“But it’s not working!”
“Pete, baby, it’s three AM. Do you really think you’re going to get it working and get a song written before going to the studio?”
“But, Cady, I have to.”
“No, you don’t. It’s okay to go and not having something. You told me that yourself. Come to bed. I can’t sleep without you,” she declared.
His eyes met hers and he suddenly seemed to realize everything: the hour, the fact he ignored her since coming home, dinner, her semi-nudity. He instantly frowned.
“Cady, I am so sorry. I have neglected you,” he muttered.
She kissed him quickly, “It’s okay. I’m sure all geniuses forget about the rest of the world from time to time.”
His frown deepened, “I’m no genius. I’m just a hack.”
“Nah,” Cady got to her feet, “come to bed, my love.”
Nodding Pete stood, glancing over his recording setup up once more with disdain. Sighing he trailed behind her, trying to focus his attention on her perfectly firm, lace-covered ass. His body instantly reached to the sight but his mood was not about to allow anything to transpire. Besides, he had promised her romance. This was not romance.
Clicking off the lamp once Pete peeled off his shirt and pants and sat on his side of the bed, Cady reached for him. Her body quickly molded into his, feeling his every tense cell. She instantly shifted to lie on top of him, her lips finding his easily. Kissing him slowly, she felt him relax slightly as his arms settled about her waist.
As she ended the kiss, Pete murmured, “Baby, we can’t.”
Adjusted to the darkness, her eyes found his, “Why not?”
“Because I promised to not fuck you again, but to romance you.”
“But it’s not for me,” she kissed his throat, intending to trace down his body with kisses. “It’s for you.”
“I don’t need… oh god,” he groaned as her hand slipped into his shorts. “Cady, please.”
“Please what?” she smiled up at him as her lips reached his chest.
“St-stop,” he uttered.
Her fingers halted but remained cradling his erection, “But, baby, you’re so tense. Let me help you relax.”
“But, Cady…”
“It’s okay, Pete. I won’t hold this against your promise,” she declared before sucking on his right nipple, her hand moving on his cock once more.
“Oh God, Cady,” he moaned. “You’re… incorrigible.”
Her head snapped up and she chuckled, “Of course you would use big words while I’m touching you.”
“Cady… Cady, stop,” he breathed.
“Give me five good reasons,” she smirked, leaning back down to kiss his chest.
“You… just… must…”
“No.”
Her lips fastened upon his other nipple briefly. When he finally moaned that he gave up, she grinned up at him. Stretching back up to kiss his lips, her fingers released his cock. As her tongue battled with his, both hands focused on his shorts. His hands dug into her bed-messy hair, holding her in the deep kiss as long as possible. Her lips briefly touched his nose before she slid down his body.
Pete’s hands wildly reached for her once he realized her intentions. However it was already too late, her mouth already trailing pass his navel. He eagerly arched up his hips to aid in her disrobing of him. After discarding his shorts off the side of the bed, Cady’s hands rested on his thighs. Her bright eyes found his briefly before she leaned down. Though his body twitched in anticipation, her lips avoided his very heat. She kissed and nibbled the flesh of his thighs, lower abdomen, and hips. Her hair caught on his engorged member, causing him to gasp.
“Do you want me to stop now?” she asked, looking up at him.
“Please, Cady.”
“Please what, Pete?”
“Don’t stop, Cady. Never stop.”
Grinning her hands released his thighs and her long fingers circled his sex. Her dark pink tongue darted out, flicking the bud of liquid on his tip. Her bowed lips parted fully and slipped over the crown.
As her mouth sank down on him, Pete’s fingers clenched the bed sheets. His eyes closed tightly and his head pressed back into the down pillow, suddenly very glad she had chosen such nice pillows. He did not think it right for a minute but the way her tongue was swirling around his cock was heaven. If anyone should be at the receiving end, it should have been Cady. But he was powerless to enforce that as her mouth took him higher and higher.
“Cady…” he groaned.
Her free hand, as the other was stroking what her mouth could not hold, reached up and clasped with his. That small gesture meant more to him than he would ever be able to verbalize. While what she was skillfully doing was a carnal act, her holding his hand imparted greater affection than he expected. She truly did love him.
Pulling her mouth free from his cock, Cady looked up into his eyes, “I love you, Pete.”
“Oh baby,” he moaned.
Her fingers continued dancing on his erection as she quickly stretched up to kiss his mouth. Before he could wrap his arms around her, Cady sank back down and went back to the task. Quickly Pete forgot about his desire to share his passion with her, to love her as she was loving him. Each swirl of her tongue, every soft suck, pushed him closer and closer to ecstasy. He felt the tension in his body center and pool in his spine, quickly traveling down. He was going to…
“Caaaaaady,” he growled.
Her eyes flicked up to his briefly and she sank fully down, letting him pop into her throat. His hand tightened around hers, practically crushing her fingers. His hips lifted from the bed as his body began to sputter. Slowly all of his tension left his body, spilling into hers. He lowered his hips back down to the bed, slowly dislodging himself from her throat. Cady still lovingly kissed and licked him as he pulled out of her mouth. Gently releasing his spent penis, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand before moving back up his body.
“Feel better?” she breathed, snuggling against him.
“I don’t deserve you,” he muttered softly.
“Probably not,” Cady smiled, kissing the corner of his mouth.
“I love you, Cady. More than you can ever know,” Pete breathed sleepily.
Before she knew it, Pete had fallen asleep. While that should have been interpreted as something good, Cady could not help but feel… left out. Her highly erotic act might have given Pete some relief, but now her body burned to be touched.
And he was asleep.
With a sigh, she kissed him once more. It was not the first time her lust was left to smolder while her lover slept. Would not likely be the last.
Rolling out of bed, Pete stretched. Realizing his complete nudity and remembering why, he glanced over his shoulder at his sleeping girlfriend. His eyes instantly dropped to the pink band of her panties. Fuck. He had fallen asleep without showing her the same consideration she had to him. He had a lot to atone for.
Only it would have to wait. His eyes flicked to the clock and instantly noticed he had not much time to get down to the studio to meet with the band. He wanted to ring them up and tell them to fuck off right then, but he had a responsibility to them. Moreover, he needed to not be relying on Cady for money. That meant he had to do some work. He only wished he had a song or two to walk in with.
Tearing his eyes away from the most perfect, most beautiful back in the world, Pete stood up. He moved as quietly as possible into the bathroom to get ready for the day. After dressing, he slowly approached Cady’s side of the bed and squatted so his face was nearly level with her face. Her eyes fluttered open and met his, her lips curving into a slight smile.
“Are you going to be okay by yourself today?” he reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear to better see her eyes.
She nodded, “I’ll be fine, Pete. You go be amazing.”
He smirked before leaning and kissing her softly, “I promise tonight will be different than last night.”
“Last night was fine, Pete. Don’t worry yourself.”
His lips touched hers again, “It was not fine for me to abandon you for hours and hours and then fall asleep right after you gave me the best blowjob I’ve ever had. It was not fine at all. And I will make up for it.”
She smiled crookedly, “You just go make music, Pete. And if you’re going to be home in time for dinner, can you call so I can plan for it?”
“I will be home for dinner,” he stated. “But you will not make any plans for dinner, except to put on a pretty dress. I’m taking you out.”
“We’ll see about that. Go before you’re late,” Cady said.
“I love you,” he kissed her once more before standing. “And I will be taking you to dinner tonight.”
She remained in bed for a few minutes after hearing Pete close the door behind himself. For a moment, she considered staying in bed all day – until she realized she had a guest coming over to visit. Throwing the sheet from her mostly nude body, Cady rushed into the bathroom. She showered as quickly as possible considering she needed to shave that day as well. Leaving the bathroom wrapped in a towel, she hurried to her closet and tried to decide what to wear as the steam retreated from bathroom mirror. Choosing a slim-fitting blue sleeveless dress, she tossed it on the unmade bed and returned to the bathroom to dry and curl her hair. Why she was spending so much time and effort on her appearance, Cady was uncertain. He was just a male friend, nothing more.
Fully dressed with her curly hair pulled back in a high ponytail, Cady quickly made the bed and picked up Pete’s clothes from the floor. After depositing that into the laundry basket, she wandered about the rest of the flat a bit aimlessly. What else did she need to do to prepare for Jimmy’s arrival? Her stomach growled alerting her to the fact she had not eaten yet that day. But was Jimmy expecting her to serve tea or something while he was over? She had not really participated in English tea before but she thought it had something to do with food as well. As a good hostess, she should probably prepare for something of the sort, but she really needed to eat something as well so her stomach would no longer continue its unladylike growling.
She was halfway through an apple when a soft knocked sounded at the door. Looking down at the fruit of temptation for a moment, she shrugged and headed to answer, still chewing on the apple. Her fingers quickly flicked the deadbolt and reached for the doorknob. Slowly opening it, her blue eyes met dark slate and she quickly swallowed the bite of apple in order to smile.
“Hello, Jimmy,” she greeted softly.
“Good afternoon, Cadence,” he responded with a returned smile.
“Please come in,” she opened the door fully, inviting him in.
Jimmy stepped into the flat, his eyes quickly glancing around before settling back upon her. Paying far more attention to his inspection of the young woman standing near him, Jimmy felt an instant affinity with her. Clearly, she must have with him, not only because she had invited him over while her boyfriend was gone, but because she wore a figure-enhancing dress that showed her curves just perfectly. It clearly was not a dress to just be lying about the house in.
“Have a look about and let me know what you think. I’m going to get rid of this apple core and wash my hands,” she stated after closing the door.
Again, his eyes swept over the mostly bare living room. He easily understood why she was struggling with arranging the minimal furniture: the room was imbalanced. A bit of re-arranging would help, as would some color. He was instantly reminded of the maroon lamp she had been drawn to in the shop they met in. That was what the room needed without a doubt. This easily decided he turned back to her as she tucked the towel in the ring in the kitchen and approached him.
“Well?”
“I think we can solve your problem with a bit of re-arranging and a bit more color,” Jimmy stated. “I think we should solve the color issue first though.”
“All right. I’ll grab my purse and some shoes and we can head out.”
Arms folded over his chest, Pete glowered at Roger on the other side of the glass. It really was not his fault he had been unable to come up with two new songs for a single in two days. Some things were more important than keeping The Who on the musical map or whatever. Some things like the love of his life were far more important. But Roger could not understand that in the least. What did the singer know of true love? Probably less than he knew of songwriting.
Not that Pete really cared that they were covering Stones’ songs. It took the pressure off him for the moment. And kept them in the public eye. And made a statement about the injustice of the law. Roger’s sneer when Pete announced he had no new material to present the band yet was the issue. If Roger thought he was so much better, then he could fucking write the band’s music. See how far they would get that way. In fact, he was making it so much easier for Pete to quit the band and spend all of his days just loving Cady.
Only that would not pay the bills.
“Fuck,” he muttered and got to his feet, pacing away from the window.
“What’s the problem, Pete?” Kit asked.
“I don’t want to be here,” he growled. “Let me go.”
“You say that like I am holding you against your will,” the manager responded.
“You fucking are!” he shouted. “I should be home with my girlfriend.”
“I am certain Cady can manage a couple of hours without you.”
Pete glanced at the clock, “It has already been more than a couple of hours. And we only have one bloody track half-done!”
“Then perhaps you should get to work laying down the other one?”
“Fuck you. I’m going home,” he declared, heading towards the door.
The door opened and Chris Stamp stepped into the control room, “Hey, mate, where you going?”
“Home.”
“So soon?”
“I never should have come in,” Pete declared.
Chris paused, “If you hadn’t, we would have to call in a session guitarist. I remember how well it went when Jimmy Page played earlier for us.”
Instantly remembering that unpleasant incident and not caring to bring Jimmy Page back in – not that he would likely be the session guitarist tapped – Pete stalked back over to his chair and plopped down. His arms once more folded across his chest as he stared into the booth at Roger. He better fucking hurry up with his vocals. Pete needed to get out of there and back home. The sooner the better.
Plopping down on the white couch, Cady grinned. Echoing her smile, Jimmy sat next to her. For a few moments neither spoke. They had spent a couple of hours shopping, though Cady had not thought that entirely necessary. Then just over an hour rearranging furniture and placing the new, colorful items. The room certainly felt better. Jimmy had been right in his thoughts. The room had needed color, personality, and balance.
“You have no idea how helpful you have been today,” Cady commented, her eyes going to the man’s next to her. “I really had no idea what to do to help this room feel like home. Thank you so much, Jimmy.”
He reached up and tucked an errant curl behind her ear, “It was my pleasure, Cadence. I enjoyed spending time with you perhaps even more.”
Cady flushed slightly, “Would you like something to drink? Or perhaps it is time for tea? Not that I have any idea what a real English tea is like.”
Jimmy smiled, “That too is something I can teach you. However, tea is traditionally a gathering of at least four people and requires some preparation. Perhaps we should just go have tea and you can get an idea of what it is like.”
“Oh but, Jimmy, I don’t want to put shoes back on!” she complained.
He chuckled, “Then we shall make do with what you have available. Come to the kitchen with me.”
Her hand slipped into his offered hand and she got to her feet. Though he did not really know his way around her kitchen, Jimmy seemed to take right to it. He released her hand, a bit hesitantly, and opened the refrigerator. He quickly removed a few items while instructing Cady to start a pot of tea. Turning back to him as the water began to heat, she smiled as he offered her a slice of cucumber from the knife.
Eyes glancing down at the cutting board, her brows knitted slightly, “And what am I supposed to do with the crusts you cut off, Jimmy?”
He glanced at the now crust-less bread, “I have never thought of that before.”
“Hmmm,” she reached for one of the crusts and stuck in her mouth.
“Well, besides that of course,” he teased before turning back to his slicing.
Together they prepared a few small sandwiches. Leaving Jimmy when the teapot squealed, Cady quickly shifted through the different teas Pete had picked out the previous day and decided on Earl Grey. Silently the pair headed to the kitchen table, each bearing items for the tea. Cady dutifully poured tea into the teacups before sitting down. Shifting the only other chair closer to hers, Jimmy sat as well.
They chatted amiably for a few moments, sipping hot tea and eating tiny cucumber sandwiches. Jimmy watched as her eyes glittered more with each passing moment. She was truly enchanting, without even trying. He could clearly see why Pete was enamored with her.
“Try this one,” Jimmy held the tiny sandwich up towards her mouth.
Thinking nothing of it, Cady opened her mouth to accept the bite. Jimmy slipped it pass her lips, his fingers lingering long enough for her lips to close briefly around them before he retracted his hand. His eyes focused on her lips as she chewed.
“I would never have expected you to know your way around a kitchen, Jimmy,” Cady commented after swallowing.
“Ah but you barely know me, Cadence. I have many a talent you cannot have guessed about.”
“Oh really now?”
“Most assuredly,” he nodded. “Perhaps I shall let you in another secret talent.”
She smiled crookedly, “And what will I need to do in return?”
“I will have to give that some thought.”
As he strummed the final note, Pete swore. The D string on his guitar snapped. In a rage, he tossed the guitar across the studio and stomped out. No one dared to step in Pete’s path, letting him stalk furiously out of the sound room. He only paused to grab his keys from the soundboard in the sound booth before continuing out of the studio. He did not care if the track was any good. It was not even their song. If it was not perfect, it was not perfect. He had far more pressing matters to deal with. Things like regaining his composure in order to return to Cady a happy man. He knew without a doubt that she would be able to read his mood the moment he stepped into the flat. After last night, he did not want to return to her surly. He already had much to atone for as it were.
Stopping for a few seconds to light his cigarette, Pete headed down the street to his car. Trying to put the horrible studio time behind him, he struggled to focus on a plan to woo his woman. Flowers were necessary first. He had no idea what kind of flowers were her favorite, but one could not go wrong with roses, right? There had to be a flower shop near their flat. He would buy her flowers, make reservations at a nice restaurant, and begin romancing her. That was something far more positive to think about than the fact the songs the band just recorded were shit. That decided he climbed into his black Lincoln Continental and headed away from the studio.
Spying a few flower shops, he continued pass them, wanting one closer to the flat. Once finished with his cigarette, Pete decided he had come far enough, cooled down enough, to venture into a floral shop and pulled over. Entering the shop, Pete’s eyes instantly trained in on the roses. Though he knew red was for romance, he was drawn more strongly to the white roses. Perhaps he could get a dozen of each. Would that be overkill?
A young woman wearing a green apron approached him, “Greetings, sir. How may I help you this afternoon?”
His eyes connected with the blonde’s, “I want to romance my girlfriend, but I haven’t any idea what her favorite flower is.”
“You can never go wrong with a dozen red roses,” she declared, leading him over to the roses.
“Yes, I know. But… it’s not quite what I want, you know?” he stated.
“White roses are good as well. They symbolize purity,” she pulled one out of the bucket of water, holding it out to him.
“It’s a pity they do not come in blue,” Pete commented, accepting the single flower.
Her eyes seemed to light up, “Would you prefer a blue flower?”
“Cady has the most amazing blue eyes,” he remarked.
“It just so happens we got in the most remarkable blue roses today,” she commented. “They are quite a bit more expensive due to their rarity.”
“Can I see them?”
“Of course. One moment.”
Pete wandered about the shop while he waited. To be honest, if the blue roses were even half as amazing as Cady’s eyes, he would pay any amount. It suddenly did not matter that the money in his wallet originally was Cady’s. He did not care the source of the notes. All that mattered is it would make her happy – at least he hoped so.
Carrying a single rose with petals the color of a cloudless sky, the sales clerk returned. Pete was not quite sold on the flower. Even if it was rare and beautiful, it was not really speaking to him. He wanted something bigger, bolder, and more exotic.
Pete shook his head, “It’s not quite it.”
She frowned slightly, “What exactly are you looking for?”
“Something that shows her how much I love her. Something that is exotic and beautiful. Something… unique,” he answered.
“And blue is the preferred color?”
He nodded.
“With or without a vase?”
To save money he should go without, but he could not think of anything they owned to store the flowers in, “A vase would be appreciated.”
Fifteen minutes later Pete stood outside his car trying to figure out how to transport the bouquet of blue irises and white tulips without ruining the flowers. Ideally, he would have someone hold them in their lap while he drove but he was alone. Shifting and holding the flowers seemed impossible. Before he could return to the flower shop to ask for ideas, the blond sales clerk appeared at his side with a box and newspapers.
“It occurred to me that transporting flowers in a vase is difficult alone. I would not wish your valiant efforts to go to ruin,” she stated.
“Thank you.”
She quickly placed the box in his passenger seat. Crumpling newspaper sheets, the sales clerk formed a nest for the vase. Smiling Pete held out the arrangement as she turned and watched her slip it into the center of the newspapers. She crumpled more newspaper and packed it around the flowers until the simple glass vase was not visible.
“That should be safe,” she declared as she closed the car door.
Pete instantly reached for his wallet to tip the girl.
“No, please,” she held up her hand. “It is enough to know I helped make some clearly special woman feel good.”
“Thank you for all your help,” he returned his billfold to his pocket.
“She’s a lucky girl to have someone love her so much. Never stop. Good day.”
Slipping into the car a moment later, Pete maneuvered out of his parking space. He glanced at the arrangement and smiled. It was still perfectly upright.
All he needed to do now was find the perfect restaurant.
Sitting next to Jimmy on the couch, wine glass in hand, Cady laughed, “You most certainly cannot!”
“I can too,” he retorted.
“Prove it.”
Jimmy glanced around, “And how would you propose I do that? I see no books.”
“Wait right here,” she responded, setting her glass on the coffee table.
Disappearing into the bedroom, Cady plucked a random book out of her nightstand. She returned to the living room and held it out to the guitarist. Accepting it, Jimmy turned the spine towards him.
He grinned as he read the title, “The Kama Sutra?”
Cady flushed slightly, “Yes.”
“Very well.”
Holding the hardback at an angle, Jimmy positioned his pointer finger beneath it. Cady watched intently as the corner pressed slightly into the calloused pad of his finger. He released the book slightly, testing it. It wavered slightly, causing Jimmy to re-adjust its angle. Finally, he pulled his other hand away, leaving the book balancing on its corner, on his finger.
Cady gasped, “Jimmy, you are amazing!”
Grinning he curled his finger, causing the book to flip into his hand, “I believe you owe me something in return.”
Her eyes went to his as he held out her book, “I do not have any magic tricks to show you.”
“Perhaps a kiss then,” he suggested.
“But, Jimmy I–”
“Completely innocent. Between friends.”
“Jimmy, I–”
“What will a little kiss hurt? Not only did I help you with tea but that trick alone should be worth a quick buss.”
Her eyes held his for a long moment. An innocent kiss was likely not to stay innocent – unless she held her ground. She would merely kiss him on the cheek. He never said she had to kiss his mouth. This decided, Cady quickly leaned forward and kissed Jimmy’s cheek.
“That hardly quali–”
“You did not say I had to kiss your mouth,” she quickly countered.
His mouth opened to object, but quickly closed. He inclined his head slightly in surrender. Reached for his glass of wine, he raised it to her before lifting it to his lips. Smiling slightly she too reached for her glass.
“How long does it take to record two songs?” she asked, glancing at the art deco clock hanging between the two windows.
“It depends. I have been in the studio with Townshend and the band. If they manage to not bicker, then a few hours,” he answered honestly. “Did Townshend not tell you the time of his return?”
“No,” Cady leaned forward and set her glass back down, “Would it make a huge difference if Pete had to play more than guitar?”
“Again, it depends. What else is he playing?”
“I presume the bass since John is away on his honey moon.”
“If they are working with a session bassist, someone like John Baldwin, then it should not be a long session,” he proclaimed, sipping the Bordeaux wine. “But as Townshend resisted it when I played on their single, I cannot fathom he would allow a session player on record again.”
Cady frowned, “He has already been away for six hours. They were only going to record two Stones’ songs.”
“Nothing original? I thought Townshend was doing all the writing now.”
“He is. But they needed to record something today and he couldn’t even get his studio working last night,” she explained.
“Perhaps I can take a look at it and we can get it working before he returns home,” Jimmy suggested, leaning forward to place his glass on the table.
Not paying close enough attention to the edge of the coffee table when Jimmy released the glass, it tumbled to the light beige carpet, spilling red wine everywhere. He instantly cursed and apologized as Cady jumped up to grab a towel quickly from the kitchen. His eyes fastened on her retreating form as she rushed into the small galley, snapped the towel from the rack.
“Table salt? Do you have any table salt?”
“Yes,” she tossed the towel at him and retreated back into the kitchen.
Dropping the towel on the dark red pool, he stepped on it, his eyes once more going back to her. He nearly abandoned his duty as she stretched up on her toes to reach for the canister of table salt on the top shelf of the cupboard above the stove. He froze before moving, noticing her short blue skirt had inched up just enough for him to make out the curve of her ass… and the fact her panties had slipped slightly between her cheeks. He could not move until her feet were once more flat and she began to turn back towards him, salt canister in hand.
Kneeling in front of Jimmy, she opened up the canister. He stepped off the soaked towel, allowing her to peel it off and shake copious amounts of salt onto the red stain. Frowning as the salt quickly turned pink, Cady looked up at Jimmy.
“Keep pouring salt on it. I shall retrieve another towel or two.”
Cady nodded, “Kitchen towels are in the drawer to the left of the sink.”
Slowly returning with a couple more towels, Jimmy’s eyes once more fastened on the hem of her dress. His gaze was suddenly arrested at the sound of a key sliding into the lock on the door. Though Cady gave no indication of hearing it, he was very aware that Pete was now home and that he needed to play everything far more carefully to not cause trouble for the pretty brunette on her knees. He returned to her, offering down the towels.
Accepting them, Cady muttered, “Pete’s going to kill me.”
Stepping into the flat at precisely that moment and only seeing Jimmy standing over a kneeling Cady, Pete instantly saw red, “What in bloody name is going on here?”
Cady’s head snapped up, “Oh, Pete, I’m so sorry. It was an accident.”
“It is an accident to be sucking Jimmy’s dick?” he glowered, setting the flower arrangement on the nearest table as he stalked over the two. “Let me guess. You justfell face first onto his–”
“Stop right there, Townshend,” Jimmy turned to face him. “Your woman has been nothing but true to you this afternoon and evening. I merely knocked over a glass of wine a few minutes ago. That is the only reason Cadence is on her knees.”
Pete looked to the pile of salt on the carpet, his eyes flicking to the two wine glasses on the table. With one empty and one half-filled with a rich red wine, the evidence supported Jimmy’s claim. But what in bloody name was the Yardbird doing in hisapartment, drinking his wine, with his girlfriend? Pete spat as much.
“Pete, I–”
Jimmy interrupted, “Cadence was having difficulty shopping for the space. As we had met while shopping yesterday, she rang and asked if I could assist her in the task. Naturally, I agreed, knowing she knows so few here in London. Nothing untoward has happened. She would not even allow a chaste kiss.”
His eyes hardened on Jimmy, “You tried to kiss her!?”
“Pete!” Cady jumped up, quickly positioning herself between Pete and Jimmy, her hands on Pete’s chest. “I have missed you so very much today. Please…”
Looking into her eyes, his face softened slightly, “Cady…”
“Should you need any more assistance, feel free to ring me again,” Jimmy quickly skirted around the couple, heading towards the door. “Oh and Townshend? Trust your woman. She loves you.”
Waiting until the door closed behind Jimmy, Cady quickly brushed her lips across Pete’s still tense mouth, “I love you, Peter. You.”
“When I came in, I saw… I thought…” his eyes instantly went to the floor. “I know you would never do such a thing to me, Cady, but Jimmy… Jimmy is not like other men.”
“I do not care if Jimmy is a god. You are the one I am with. You are the one I love. Plain, simple, true,” she declared.
“But if you needed company… why Jimmy?” he asked, pain in his eyes as he once more met her gaze.
Cady kissed him softly, “What Jimmy said was true. I do not know many here, save you, your band, and your ex-girlfriend. Would you have rather have me invite Karen over to our apartment for assistance?”
Pete thought about it for a moment but still scowled, “Well no, but Jimmy?”
“Nothing happened between us,” she declared, pulling away from him. “Come see what we did actually do.”
As she led him around the living room, each step Pete calmed down. The living room certainly did look better, felt better. It pained him that it was Jimmy who assisted her in making their flat a home, not him, but he nearly understood why. He had not been around to do so himself. He merely needed to trust that nothing else happened between the Yardbird and his girlfriend. He trusted Cady; he really did. He already had more to atone for than previously expected. Dinner and flowers were not nearly enough.
Flowers.
“Baby,” he pulled away from her, “I brought you something.”
“You did?”
Pete quickly retrieved the large floral arrangement from the table and held it out to her. Cady gasped, her eyes brightening as she reached out to touch one of the blue petals. Her eyes flicked to his, filled with unspoken questions and thoughts. Slowly her hands circled the vase, covering his, and she leaned forward and gently sniffed the flowers.
“Oh, Pete, they’re beautiful,” she commented.
“Not nearly as beautiful as you,” he responded, leaning over the flowers to kiss her forehead. “And I made reservations for dinner.”
Her eyes flicked to his and she grinned, “For what time?”
“Eight.”
Cady glanced at the clock, “I hope it is close then. It is already after seven. Do I need to change?”
He quickly looked over her appearance. Smiling at how well the blue dresscomplimented her hair, he shook his head.
“You look lovely. But I should change. Give me a few minutes and we shall leave,” he slid his hands away from the vase and kissed her quickly before heading to the bedroom.
Setting the flowers in the center of the coffee table where she could see them from anywhere in the apartment, Cady’s eyes fell on The Kama Sutra. Knowing Pete would jump to conclusions if he saw it, she quickly picked it up. Glancing around for some place to stow it that he would not find, she sighed. There really was nowhere to safely hide it. Then she heard the bathroom door click close, giving her the opportunity to rush into the bedroom and return it to its proper location. After doing just that, she hurried back to the living room and focused on cleaning up the wine-soaked salt.
“I never knew salt could soak up wine,” Pete commented, drawing Cady’s eyes up as she swept the salt into the dustpan.
“Apparently really well,” she responded. “I don’t even think there will be a stain.”
“No matter if there is. I am sure it was an accident,” he picked up the two wine glasses and headed into the kitchen.
Standing back up she followed him, stopping to empty the dustpan into the garbage can, “So you’re okay now?”
“Cady… I’m sorry. I overreacted. I love and trust you. If you say there is nothing going on between you and Page, then I believe you. Forgive me.”
She set the dustpan on the counter and slipped her arms around his neck, pressing her lips to his, “Of course I forgive you. You did not do anything wrong at all. I am sure that it was scary to walk in and not expect what you saw.”
“I trust you. Implicitly. Shall we depart for dinner?”
“Will you put the top down on the car?”
“The weather outside is nice. I do not see why not,” Pete answered, smiling.
“Then let me grab a scarf for my hair first. Then we can go.”
Rating: NC-17 [language, drug use, fellatio, nudity]
Summary: The flashback continues and ends. Pete tries to come up with something for The Who to record. Cady has a friend over.
Had she not been as high as a kite, she probably would have spun around and kneed the presumptive man in the groin. Instead, as his magical fingers caressed her skin a moment before his lips did, she closed her eyes and leaned back on him. It really was not like her to be so lackadaisical, but it also was not like her to drop acid or anything else for that matter in public. Ah but there was a first time for everything, no?
“Hello, beautiful. Where have you been all my life?” he breathed in her ear.
“Here, there, everywhere,” she responded in a low voice.
Jimi smiled, “Can I buy you a drink?”
Cady leaned back more on him, pivoting her head to look into his eyes, “You can buy me anything you want, magic man.”
He grinned a bit more, “Don’t leave. I’ll be right back.”
Her eyes wandered over her friends, but none of the girls seemed to be paying any attention to her at all. Or maybe they were and she just could not perceive it at all – what with the walls throbbing and all. She needed to get out of there if she did not want this trip to go bad. It was already teasing the edges of a bad trip. She needed out.
“Hey, baby,” the smooth talking singer approached her with a glass of something.
“Leave,” she nearly whispered. “Take me away.”
About to ask what she really wanted from her contradictory statements, his eyes met hers. He suddenly understood. Handing the two drinks to two of her friends, his hand quickly folded over hers. Leading her back through the crowd, Jimi collected his guitar and small amp before slipping out the back door. Cady hesitated in the alleyway, her eyes widening as she looked at the dirty bricks, smelt the rotting refuse, her toes splashing in a putrid puddle. Without the sonic assault of someone spinning records or singing, her trip was instantly thrust in upheaval. The alley was certainly going to eat her.
“I… I can’t go this way,” she muttered, tugging on his hand and attempting to go back to the café.
As her eyes went to the door they had just stepped out of, Cady gasped. There was no way that hell mouth had spat them out. No way at all.
His hand did not release her and he stepped closer, “Come with me, beautiful. Let me take you to a castle in the sky.”
Turning back to him quickly, she stumbled forward, her nose bumping his, “All right.”
“And then he took me back to his apartment,” Cady stated abruptly. “I only saw the girls once more when I went and got my things.”
Pete’s brows knitted in confusion, “So you got together with Jimi because of acid?”
“Uh, well, sorta. I left Club Wha with Jimi because of acid but my trip was nearly over by the time we reached the hotel he was living in then.”
“And you stayed with him because?”
Cady closed her eyes, “It’s complicated, Pete. The gist is Jimi made me feel wanted, desired, needed – just as I was. He saw me, Pete. In any crowded room, his eyes would still find me, still focus on me.”
“What changed?”
“Jimi did. England changed him. But I would suppose England changed me too. He started to see other women in the crowd. And I fell in love with you,” she answered. Had you not kissed me that night, I would probably still be with him.”
He smiled crookedly, his fingers dancing across her forehead, “You’re the reason that even happened. I did not have the courage to speak to you. A big reason I kept going to see Jimi play was to see you. But I didn’t have the courage to speak to you.”
“I remember,” Cady sat up, her eyes locking once more with Pete’s. “Will you always find me in the crowd, Pete?”
“I will find you anywhere in the world, baby. Anywhere in the world.”
Smiling Cady kissed him before getting to her feet, “Show me more of this park before we go and get something to drink. Telling the beginning of that story made me parched.”
His hand closed over hers once more and he slowly led her from the grassy shadows. They passed through more flowers until the path opened up to another grassy area with a central fountain. Gasping Cady covered her mouth with her free hand. In the open area a dozen peacocks roamed, squawking, preening, and displaying their fantastical feathers.
“Pete,” she breathed, “I have never… I have never seen peacocks before.”
He kissed her temple quickly, “Shall we sit here and watch for awhile?”
“I… just for a bit.”
The couple found a bench this time. His arm quickly slipped behind her. His opposite hand reached across his body and clasped hers. Her large blue eyes remained happily focused on the colorful birds. She giggled as the peacocks shook their tail feathers in hopes of gaining the attention of the less colorful peahens. Reveling in her child-like fascination, Pete could not help the goofy smile stretching across his face. He wondered what other things he could show her that would excite her so much. Where in the world could he take her to expose her to such wonders?
“Cady, where in the world haven’t you been?”
Her eyes left the peacocks briefly, “An easier question to answer is: where have I been?”
“Okay. Where have you been?”
“London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid, Rome, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Monterey… um, I may have been other places as a small child. But that’s where I’ve been the past few years,” she answered. “And add in all the places Jimi toured.”
Pete nodded, “Where would you like to go?”
She shrugged, turning her attention back to the birds, “I’ll go wherever you go, Pete.”
“That’s not what I’m asking.”
“I know. But I’ve never really thought about it before,” she shrugged.
He kissed her temple again, “One day I’ll show you all the wonders in the world.”
“Oh, but, Pete, you’ve already shown me the greatest one: love.”
With Pete tinkering in the room that would become his studio, Cady re-arranged their living room once more. Leaning on the couch after pushing it across the room, she looked around and frowned. It still was not quite right. And she was not sure why. Something was missing. In addition, she did not know whose opinion she wanted. Pete was far too preoccupied – as he should be as he was expected to have a song written for the following day. The only people she knew thus far in London were Karen, the band, Kit. Oh and Jimmy Page. Of those choices, Cady thought Jimmy to have the strongest aesthetic eye. But it probably would not be a good idea to call him up and invite him over. However, he was her best option.
Glancing in Pete’s direction, she watched him hurry pass the door, a bundle of cords in his arms. Figuring he was as distracted as ever, she slipped into the bedroom and located the purse she carried when she met Jimmy the day before. Clicking it open, Cady quickly dug out a slip of paper. Reading the scribbled digits, she headed back out to the living room and picked the phone off the floor. Checking quickly for a dial tone, Cady dialed the numbers. Nervously her eyes darted to the open door, looking once more for Pete.
“Hello?” a familiar voice interrupted her spying.
“Hey. It’s Cady. We met yester–”
“Hello, Cadence. How does the evening find you?”
She could not help the smile on her face, “At home and in quite a quandary.”
“Why would that be?”
“Well, you see, Pete and I bought furniture today,” she began. “And something just isn’t right.”
“How do you mean?”
“That’s just it. I can’t figure it out,” she responded.
“What does Townshend think?”
“I haven’t asked. He’s busy setting up a studio.”
There was a brief pause, “And you called me because…?”
“I… I don’t know many in London and I was wondering if maybe you would consider coming over and see what you think,” she claimed softly.
Jimmy said nothing, instantly making Cady panic. Maybe it meant nothing. Maybe he was one of those who thought out each answer carefully. Or maybe the line had gone dead. Maybe she should not have called. Maybe–
“When does Townshend leave?”
“Uh… I’m not sure. I think they were going to meet around noon,” she responded.
“I shall be by at one o’clock then,” Jimmy stated. “What is your address?”
Stretching for the small white lamp next to the bed, Cady clicked it on. Her fingers reached for the clock and turned its face towards hers. Frowning at the display, she sighed and rolled out of bed. Padding barefoot and naked save for a pair of lacy pink panties, she headed to Pete’s room. Standing in his open doorway, Cady leaned against the frame. Her eyes focused on him as he messed with knobs, plugging and unplugging cords from the deck.
“Pete,” Cady spoke up after watching him for a few minutes.
He did not glance up from his work nor paused in indication of hearing her.
“Pete,” she repeated louder.
His eyes briefly flicked to hers, “Cady.”
When his eyes went back to the table, apparently not even noticing her state of dress, she sighed and entered the room fully. Without even thinking about it, her fingers reached for his hands, pulling them away from their task. His eyes went to hers as his mouth opened in protest. Before he said anything, she kissed him and sat in his lap.
“Baby,” she kissed him again, “it’s after three in the morning. Come to bed.”
“I can’t,” he replied.
“Of course you can.”
“But it’s not working!”
“Pete, baby, it’s three AM. Do you really think you’re going to get it working and get a song written before going to the studio?”
“But, Cady, I have to.”
“No, you don’t. It’s okay to go and not having something. You told me that yourself. Come to bed. I can’t sleep without you,” she declared.
His eyes met hers and he suddenly seemed to realize everything: the hour, the fact he ignored her since coming home, dinner, her semi-nudity. He instantly frowned.
“Cady, I am so sorry. I have neglected you,” he muttered.
She kissed him quickly, “It’s okay. I’m sure all geniuses forget about the rest of the world from time to time.”
His frown deepened, “I’m no genius. I’m just a hack.”
“Nah,” Cady got to her feet, “come to bed, my love.”
Nodding Pete stood, glancing over his recording setup up once more with disdain. Sighing he trailed behind her, trying to focus his attention on her perfectly firm, lace-covered ass. His body instantly reached to the sight but his mood was not about to allow anything to transpire. Besides, he had promised her romance. This was not romance.
Clicking off the lamp once Pete peeled off his shirt and pants and sat on his side of the bed, Cady reached for him. Her body quickly molded into his, feeling his every tense cell. She instantly shifted to lie on top of him, her lips finding his easily. Kissing him slowly, she felt him relax slightly as his arms settled about her waist.
As she ended the kiss, Pete murmured, “Baby, we can’t.”
Adjusted to the darkness, her eyes found his, “Why not?”
“Because I promised to not fuck you again, but to romance you.”
“But it’s not for me,” she kissed his throat, intending to trace down his body with kisses. “It’s for you.”
“I don’t need… oh god,” he groaned as her hand slipped into his shorts. “Cady, please.”
“Please what?” she smiled up at him as her lips reached his chest.
“St-stop,” he uttered.
Her fingers halted but remained cradling his erection, “But, baby, you’re so tense. Let me help you relax.”
“But, Cady…”
“It’s okay, Pete. I won’t hold this against your promise,” she declared before sucking on his right nipple, her hand moving on his cock once more.
“Oh God, Cady,” he moaned. “You’re… incorrigible.”
Her head snapped up and she chuckled, “Of course you would use big words while I’m touching you.”
“Cady… Cady, stop,” he breathed.
“Give me five good reasons,” she smirked, leaning back down to kiss his chest.
“You… just… must…”
“No.”
Her lips fastened upon his other nipple briefly. When he finally moaned that he gave up, she grinned up at him. Stretching back up to kiss his lips, her fingers released his cock. As her tongue battled with his, both hands focused on his shorts. His hands dug into her bed-messy hair, holding her in the deep kiss as long as possible. Her lips briefly touched his nose before she slid down his body.
Pete’s hands wildly reached for her once he realized her intentions. However it was already too late, her mouth already trailing pass his navel. He eagerly arched up his hips to aid in her disrobing of him. After discarding his shorts off the side of the bed, Cady’s hands rested on his thighs. Her bright eyes found his briefly before she leaned down. Though his body twitched in anticipation, her lips avoided his very heat. She kissed and nibbled the flesh of his thighs, lower abdomen, and hips. Her hair caught on his engorged member, causing him to gasp.
“Do you want me to stop now?” she asked, looking up at him.
“Please, Cady.”
“Please what, Pete?”
“Don’t stop, Cady. Never stop.”
Grinning her hands released his thighs and her long fingers circled his sex. Her dark pink tongue darted out, flicking the bud of liquid on his tip. Her bowed lips parted fully and slipped over the crown.
As her mouth sank down on him, Pete’s fingers clenched the bed sheets. His eyes closed tightly and his head pressed back into the down pillow, suddenly very glad she had chosen such nice pillows. He did not think it right for a minute but the way her tongue was swirling around his cock was heaven. If anyone should be at the receiving end, it should have been Cady. But he was powerless to enforce that as her mouth took him higher and higher.
“Cady…” he groaned.
Her free hand, as the other was stroking what her mouth could not hold, reached up and clasped with his. That small gesture meant more to him than he would ever be able to verbalize. While what she was skillfully doing was a carnal act, her holding his hand imparted greater affection than he expected. She truly did love him.
Pulling her mouth free from his cock, Cady looked up into his eyes, “I love you, Pete.”
“Oh baby,” he moaned.
Her fingers continued dancing on his erection as she quickly stretched up to kiss his mouth. Before he could wrap his arms around her, Cady sank back down and went back to the task. Quickly Pete forgot about his desire to share his passion with her, to love her as she was loving him. Each swirl of her tongue, every soft suck, pushed him closer and closer to ecstasy. He felt the tension in his body center and pool in his spine, quickly traveling down. He was going to…
“Caaaaaady,” he growled.
Her eyes flicked up to his briefly and she sank fully down, letting him pop into her throat. His hand tightened around hers, practically crushing her fingers. His hips lifted from the bed as his body began to sputter. Slowly all of his tension left his body, spilling into hers. He lowered his hips back down to the bed, slowly dislodging himself from her throat. Cady still lovingly kissed and licked him as he pulled out of her mouth. Gently releasing his spent penis, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand before moving back up his body.
“Feel better?” she breathed, snuggling against him.
“I don’t deserve you,” he muttered softly.
“Probably not,” Cady smiled, kissing the corner of his mouth.
“I love you, Cady. More than you can ever know,” Pete breathed sleepily.
Before she knew it, Pete had fallen asleep. While that should have been interpreted as something good, Cady could not help but feel… left out. Her highly erotic act might have given Pete some relief, but now her body burned to be touched.
And he was asleep.
With a sigh, she kissed him once more. It was not the first time her lust was left to smolder while her lover slept. Would not likely be the last.
Rolling out of bed, Pete stretched. Realizing his complete nudity and remembering why, he glanced over his shoulder at his sleeping girlfriend. His eyes instantly dropped to the pink band of her panties. Fuck. He had fallen asleep without showing her the same consideration she had to him. He had a lot to atone for.
Only it would have to wait. His eyes flicked to the clock and instantly noticed he had not much time to get down to the studio to meet with the band. He wanted to ring them up and tell them to fuck off right then, but he had a responsibility to them. Moreover, he needed to not be relying on Cady for money. That meant he had to do some work. He only wished he had a song or two to walk in with.
Tearing his eyes away from the most perfect, most beautiful back in the world, Pete stood up. He moved as quietly as possible into the bathroom to get ready for the day. After dressing, he slowly approached Cady’s side of the bed and squatted so his face was nearly level with her face. Her eyes fluttered open and met his, her lips curving into a slight smile.
“Are you going to be okay by yourself today?” he reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear to better see her eyes.
She nodded, “I’ll be fine, Pete. You go be amazing.”
He smirked before leaning and kissing her softly, “I promise tonight will be different than last night.”
“Last night was fine, Pete. Don’t worry yourself.”
His lips touched hers again, “It was not fine for me to abandon you for hours and hours and then fall asleep right after you gave me the best blowjob I’ve ever had. It was not fine at all. And I will make up for it.”
She smiled crookedly, “You just go make music, Pete. And if you’re going to be home in time for dinner, can you call so I can plan for it?”
“I will be home for dinner,” he stated. “But you will not make any plans for dinner, except to put on a pretty dress. I’m taking you out.”
“We’ll see about that. Go before you’re late,” Cady said.
“I love you,” he kissed her once more before standing. “And I will be taking you to dinner tonight.”
She remained in bed for a few minutes after hearing Pete close the door behind himself. For a moment, she considered staying in bed all day – until she realized she had a guest coming over to visit. Throwing the sheet from her mostly nude body, Cady rushed into the bathroom. She showered as quickly as possible considering she needed to shave that day as well. Leaving the bathroom wrapped in a towel, she hurried to her closet and tried to decide what to wear as the steam retreated from bathroom mirror. Choosing a slim-fitting blue sleeveless dress, she tossed it on the unmade bed and returned to the bathroom to dry and curl her hair. Why she was spending so much time and effort on her appearance, Cady was uncertain. He was just a male friend, nothing more.
Fully dressed with her curly hair pulled back in a high ponytail, Cady quickly made the bed and picked up Pete’s clothes from the floor. After depositing that into the laundry basket, she wandered about the rest of the flat a bit aimlessly. What else did she need to do to prepare for Jimmy’s arrival? Her stomach growled alerting her to the fact she had not eaten yet that day. But was Jimmy expecting her to serve tea or something while he was over? She had not really participated in English tea before but she thought it had something to do with food as well. As a good hostess, she should probably prepare for something of the sort, but she really needed to eat something as well so her stomach would no longer continue its unladylike growling.
She was halfway through an apple when a soft knocked sounded at the door. Looking down at the fruit of temptation for a moment, she shrugged and headed to answer, still chewing on the apple. Her fingers quickly flicked the deadbolt and reached for the doorknob. Slowly opening it, her blue eyes met dark slate and she quickly swallowed the bite of apple in order to smile.
“Hello, Jimmy,” she greeted softly.
“Good afternoon, Cadence,” he responded with a returned smile.
“Please come in,” she opened the door fully, inviting him in.
Jimmy stepped into the flat, his eyes quickly glancing around before settling back upon her. Paying far more attention to his inspection of the young woman standing near him, Jimmy felt an instant affinity with her. Clearly, she must have with him, not only because she had invited him over while her boyfriend was gone, but because she wore a figure-enhancing dress that showed her curves just perfectly. It clearly was not a dress to just be lying about the house in.
“Have a look about and let me know what you think. I’m going to get rid of this apple core and wash my hands,” she stated after closing the door.
Again, his eyes swept over the mostly bare living room. He easily understood why she was struggling with arranging the minimal furniture: the room was imbalanced. A bit of re-arranging would help, as would some color. He was instantly reminded of the maroon lamp she had been drawn to in the shop they met in. That was what the room needed without a doubt. This easily decided he turned back to her as she tucked the towel in the ring in the kitchen and approached him.
“Well?”
“I think we can solve your problem with a bit of re-arranging and a bit more color,” Jimmy stated. “I think we should solve the color issue first though.”
“All right. I’ll grab my purse and some shoes and we can head out.”
Arms folded over his chest, Pete glowered at Roger on the other side of the glass. It really was not his fault he had been unable to come up with two new songs for a single in two days. Some things were more important than keeping The Who on the musical map or whatever. Some things like the love of his life were far more important. But Roger could not understand that in the least. What did the singer know of true love? Probably less than he knew of songwriting.
Not that Pete really cared that they were covering Stones’ songs. It took the pressure off him for the moment. And kept them in the public eye. And made a statement about the injustice of the law. Roger’s sneer when Pete announced he had no new material to present the band yet was the issue. If Roger thought he was so much better, then he could fucking write the band’s music. See how far they would get that way. In fact, he was making it so much easier for Pete to quit the band and spend all of his days just loving Cady.
Only that would not pay the bills.
“Fuck,” he muttered and got to his feet, pacing away from the window.
“What’s the problem, Pete?” Kit asked.
“I don’t want to be here,” he growled. “Let me go.”
“You say that like I am holding you against your will,” the manager responded.
“You fucking are!” he shouted. “I should be home with my girlfriend.”
“I am certain Cady can manage a couple of hours without you.”
Pete glanced at the clock, “It has already been more than a couple of hours. And we only have one bloody track half-done!”
“Then perhaps you should get to work laying down the other one?”
“Fuck you. I’m going home,” he declared, heading towards the door.
The door opened and Chris Stamp stepped into the control room, “Hey, mate, where you going?”
“Home.”
“So soon?”
“I never should have come in,” Pete declared.
Chris paused, “If you hadn’t, we would have to call in a session guitarist. I remember how well it went when Jimmy Page played earlier for us.”
Instantly remembering that unpleasant incident and not caring to bring Jimmy Page back in – not that he would likely be the session guitarist tapped – Pete stalked back over to his chair and plopped down. His arms once more folded across his chest as he stared into the booth at Roger. He better fucking hurry up with his vocals. Pete needed to get out of there and back home. The sooner the better.
Plopping down on the white couch, Cady grinned. Echoing her smile, Jimmy sat next to her. For a few moments neither spoke. They had spent a couple of hours shopping, though Cady had not thought that entirely necessary. Then just over an hour rearranging furniture and placing the new, colorful items. The room certainly felt better. Jimmy had been right in his thoughts. The room had needed color, personality, and balance.
“You have no idea how helpful you have been today,” Cady commented, her eyes going to the man’s next to her. “I really had no idea what to do to help this room feel like home. Thank you so much, Jimmy.”
He reached up and tucked an errant curl behind her ear, “It was my pleasure, Cadence. I enjoyed spending time with you perhaps even more.”
Cady flushed slightly, “Would you like something to drink? Or perhaps it is time for tea? Not that I have any idea what a real English tea is like.”
Jimmy smiled, “That too is something I can teach you. However, tea is traditionally a gathering of at least four people and requires some preparation. Perhaps we should just go have tea and you can get an idea of what it is like.”
“Oh but, Jimmy, I don’t want to put shoes back on!” she complained.
He chuckled, “Then we shall make do with what you have available. Come to the kitchen with me.”
Her hand slipped into his offered hand and she got to her feet. Though he did not really know his way around her kitchen, Jimmy seemed to take right to it. He released her hand, a bit hesitantly, and opened the refrigerator. He quickly removed a few items while instructing Cady to start a pot of tea. Turning back to him as the water began to heat, she smiled as he offered her a slice of cucumber from the knife.
Eyes glancing down at the cutting board, her brows knitted slightly, “And what am I supposed to do with the crusts you cut off, Jimmy?”
He glanced at the now crust-less bread, “I have never thought of that before.”
“Hmmm,” she reached for one of the crusts and stuck in her mouth.
“Well, besides that of course,” he teased before turning back to his slicing.
Together they prepared a few small sandwiches. Leaving Jimmy when the teapot squealed, Cady quickly shifted through the different teas Pete had picked out the previous day and decided on Earl Grey. Silently the pair headed to the kitchen table, each bearing items for the tea. Cady dutifully poured tea into the teacups before sitting down. Shifting the only other chair closer to hers, Jimmy sat as well.
They chatted amiably for a few moments, sipping hot tea and eating tiny cucumber sandwiches. Jimmy watched as her eyes glittered more with each passing moment. She was truly enchanting, without even trying. He could clearly see why Pete was enamored with her.
“Try this one,” Jimmy held the tiny sandwich up towards her mouth.
Thinking nothing of it, Cady opened her mouth to accept the bite. Jimmy slipped it pass her lips, his fingers lingering long enough for her lips to close briefly around them before he retracted his hand. His eyes focused on her lips as she chewed.
“I would never have expected you to know your way around a kitchen, Jimmy,” Cady commented after swallowing.
“Ah but you barely know me, Cadence. I have many a talent you cannot have guessed about.”
“Oh really now?”
“Most assuredly,” he nodded. “Perhaps I shall let you in another secret talent.”
She smiled crookedly, “And what will I need to do in return?”
“I will have to give that some thought.”
As he strummed the final note, Pete swore. The D string on his guitar snapped. In a rage, he tossed the guitar across the studio and stomped out. No one dared to step in Pete’s path, letting him stalk furiously out of the sound room. He only paused to grab his keys from the soundboard in the sound booth before continuing out of the studio. He did not care if the track was any good. It was not even their song. If it was not perfect, it was not perfect. He had far more pressing matters to deal with. Things like regaining his composure in order to return to Cady a happy man. He knew without a doubt that she would be able to read his mood the moment he stepped into the flat. After last night, he did not want to return to her surly. He already had much to atone for as it were.
Stopping for a few seconds to light his cigarette, Pete headed down the street to his car. Trying to put the horrible studio time behind him, he struggled to focus on a plan to woo his woman. Flowers were necessary first. He had no idea what kind of flowers were her favorite, but one could not go wrong with roses, right? There had to be a flower shop near their flat. He would buy her flowers, make reservations at a nice restaurant, and begin romancing her. That was something far more positive to think about than the fact the songs the band just recorded were shit. That decided he climbed into his black Lincoln Continental and headed away from the studio.
Spying a few flower shops, he continued pass them, wanting one closer to the flat. Once finished with his cigarette, Pete decided he had come far enough, cooled down enough, to venture into a floral shop and pulled over. Entering the shop, Pete’s eyes instantly trained in on the roses. Though he knew red was for romance, he was drawn more strongly to the white roses. Perhaps he could get a dozen of each. Would that be overkill?
A young woman wearing a green apron approached him, “Greetings, sir. How may I help you this afternoon?”
His eyes connected with the blonde’s, “I want to romance my girlfriend, but I haven’t any idea what her favorite flower is.”
“You can never go wrong with a dozen red roses,” she declared, leading him over to the roses.
“Yes, I know. But… it’s not quite what I want, you know?” he stated.
“White roses are good as well. They symbolize purity,” she pulled one out of the bucket of water, holding it out to him.
“It’s a pity they do not come in blue,” Pete commented, accepting the single flower.
Her eyes seemed to light up, “Would you prefer a blue flower?”
“Cady has the most amazing blue eyes,” he remarked.
“It just so happens we got in the most remarkable blue roses today,” she commented. “They are quite a bit more expensive due to their rarity.”
“Can I see them?”
“Of course. One moment.”
Pete wandered about the shop while he waited. To be honest, if the blue roses were even half as amazing as Cady’s eyes, he would pay any amount. It suddenly did not matter that the money in his wallet originally was Cady’s. He did not care the source of the notes. All that mattered is it would make her happy – at least he hoped so.
Carrying a single rose with petals the color of a cloudless sky, the sales clerk returned. Pete was not quite sold on the flower. Even if it was rare and beautiful, it was not really speaking to him. He wanted something bigger, bolder, and more exotic.
Pete shook his head, “It’s not quite it.”
She frowned slightly, “What exactly are you looking for?”
“Something that shows her how much I love her. Something that is exotic and beautiful. Something… unique,” he answered.
“And blue is the preferred color?”
He nodded.
“With or without a vase?”
To save money he should go without, but he could not think of anything they owned to store the flowers in, “A vase would be appreciated.”
Fifteen minutes later Pete stood outside his car trying to figure out how to transport the bouquet of blue irises and white tulips without ruining the flowers. Ideally, he would have someone hold them in their lap while he drove but he was alone. Shifting and holding the flowers seemed impossible. Before he could return to the flower shop to ask for ideas, the blond sales clerk appeared at his side with a box and newspapers.
“It occurred to me that transporting flowers in a vase is difficult alone. I would not wish your valiant efforts to go to ruin,” she stated.
“Thank you.”
She quickly placed the box in his passenger seat. Crumpling newspaper sheets, the sales clerk formed a nest for the vase. Smiling Pete held out the arrangement as she turned and watched her slip it into the center of the newspapers. She crumpled more newspaper and packed it around the flowers until the simple glass vase was not visible.
“That should be safe,” she declared as she closed the car door.
Pete instantly reached for his wallet to tip the girl.
“No, please,” she held up her hand. “It is enough to know I helped make some clearly special woman feel good.”
“Thank you for all your help,” he returned his billfold to his pocket.
“She’s a lucky girl to have someone love her so much. Never stop. Good day.”
Slipping into the car a moment later, Pete maneuvered out of his parking space. He glanced at the arrangement and smiled. It was still perfectly upright.
All he needed to do now was find the perfect restaurant.
Sitting next to Jimmy on the couch, wine glass in hand, Cady laughed, “You most certainly cannot!”
“I can too,” he retorted.
“Prove it.”
Jimmy glanced around, “And how would you propose I do that? I see no books.”
“Wait right here,” she responded, setting her glass on the coffee table.
Disappearing into the bedroom, Cady plucked a random book out of her nightstand. She returned to the living room and held it out to the guitarist. Accepting it, Jimmy turned the spine towards him.
He grinned as he read the title, “The Kama Sutra?”
Cady flushed slightly, “Yes.”
“Very well.”
Holding the hardback at an angle, Jimmy positioned his pointer finger beneath it. Cady watched intently as the corner pressed slightly into the calloused pad of his finger. He released the book slightly, testing it. It wavered slightly, causing Jimmy to re-adjust its angle. Finally, he pulled his other hand away, leaving the book balancing on its corner, on his finger.
Cady gasped, “Jimmy, you are amazing!”
Grinning he curled his finger, causing the book to flip into his hand, “I believe you owe me something in return.”
Her eyes went to his as he held out her book, “I do not have any magic tricks to show you.”
“Perhaps a kiss then,” he suggested.
“But, Jimmy I–”
“Completely innocent. Between friends.”
“Jimmy, I–”
“What will a little kiss hurt? Not only did I help you with tea but that trick alone should be worth a quick buss.”
Her eyes held his for a long moment. An innocent kiss was likely not to stay innocent – unless she held her ground. She would merely kiss him on the cheek. He never said she had to kiss his mouth. This decided, Cady quickly leaned forward and kissed Jimmy’s cheek.
“That hardly quali–”
“You did not say I had to kiss your mouth,” she quickly countered.
His mouth opened to object, but quickly closed. He inclined his head slightly in surrender. Reached for his glass of wine, he raised it to her before lifting it to his lips. Smiling slightly she too reached for her glass.
“How long does it take to record two songs?” she asked, glancing at the art deco clock hanging between the two windows.
“It depends. I have been in the studio with Townshend and the band. If they manage to not bicker, then a few hours,” he answered honestly. “Did Townshend not tell you the time of his return?”
“No,” Cady leaned forward and set her glass back down, “Would it make a huge difference if Pete had to play more than guitar?”
“Again, it depends. What else is he playing?”
“I presume the bass since John is away on his honey moon.”
“If they are working with a session bassist, someone like John Baldwin, then it should not be a long session,” he proclaimed, sipping the Bordeaux wine. “But as Townshend resisted it when I played on their single, I cannot fathom he would allow a session player on record again.”
Cady frowned, “He has already been away for six hours. They were only going to record two Stones’ songs.”
“Nothing original? I thought Townshend was doing all the writing now.”
“He is. But they needed to record something today and he couldn’t even get his studio working last night,” she explained.
“Perhaps I can take a look at it and we can get it working before he returns home,” Jimmy suggested, leaning forward to place his glass on the table.
Not paying close enough attention to the edge of the coffee table when Jimmy released the glass, it tumbled to the light beige carpet, spilling red wine everywhere. He instantly cursed and apologized as Cady jumped up to grab a towel quickly from the kitchen. His eyes fastened on her retreating form as she rushed into the small galley, snapped the towel from the rack.
“Table salt? Do you have any table salt?”
“Yes,” she tossed the towel at him and retreated back into the kitchen.
Dropping the towel on the dark red pool, he stepped on it, his eyes once more going back to her. He nearly abandoned his duty as she stretched up on her toes to reach for the canister of table salt on the top shelf of the cupboard above the stove. He froze before moving, noticing her short blue skirt had inched up just enough for him to make out the curve of her ass… and the fact her panties had slipped slightly between her cheeks. He could not move until her feet were once more flat and she began to turn back towards him, salt canister in hand.
Kneeling in front of Jimmy, she opened up the canister. He stepped off the soaked towel, allowing her to peel it off and shake copious amounts of salt onto the red stain. Frowning as the salt quickly turned pink, Cady looked up at Jimmy.
“Keep pouring salt on it. I shall retrieve another towel or two.”
Cady nodded, “Kitchen towels are in the drawer to the left of the sink.”
Slowly returning with a couple more towels, Jimmy’s eyes once more fastened on the hem of her dress. His gaze was suddenly arrested at the sound of a key sliding into the lock on the door. Though Cady gave no indication of hearing it, he was very aware that Pete was now home and that he needed to play everything far more carefully to not cause trouble for the pretty brunette on her knees. He returned to her, offering down the towels.
Accepting them, Cady muttered, “Pete’s going to kill me.”
Stepping into the flat at precisely that moment and only seeing Jimmy standing over a kneeling Cady, Pete instantly saw red, “What in bloody name is going on here?”
Cady’s head snapped up, “Oh, Pete, I’m so sorry. It was an accident.”
“It is an accident to be sucking Jimmy’s dick?” he glowered, setting the flower arrangement on the nearest table as he stalked over the two. “Let me guess. You justfell face first onto his–”
“Stop right there, Townshend,” Jimmy turned to face him. “Your woman has been nothing but true to you this afternoon and evening. I merely knocked over a glass of wine a few minutes ago. That is the only reason Cadence is on her knees.”
Pete looked to the pile of salt on the carpet, his eyes flicking to the two wine glasses on the table. With one empty and one half-filled with a rich red wine, the evidence supported Jimmy’s claim. But what in bloody name was the Yardbird doing in hisapartment, drinking his wine, with his girlfriend? Pete spat as much.
“Pete, I–”
Jimmy interrupted, “Cadence was having difficulty shopping for the space. As we had met while shopping yesterday, she rang and asked if I could assist her in the task. Naturally, I agreed, knowing she knows so few here in London. Nothing untoward has happened. She would not even allow a chaste kiss.”
His eyes hardened on Jimmy, “You tried to kiss her!?”
“Pete!” Cady jumped up, quickly positioning herself between Pete and Jimmy, her hands on Pete’s chest. “I have missed you so very much today. Please…”
Looking into her eyes, his face softened slightly, “Cady…”
“Should you need any more assistance, feel free to ring me again,” Jimmy quickly skirted around the couple, heading towards the door. “Oh and Townshend? Trust your woman. She loves you.”
Waiting until the door closed behind Jimmy, Cady quickly brushed her lips across Pete’s still tense mouth, “I love you, Peter. You.”
“When I came in, I saw… I thought…” his eyes instantly went to the floor. “I know you would never do such a thing to me, Cady, but Jimmy… Jimmy is not like other men.”
“I do not care if Jimmy is a god. You are the one I am with. You are the one I love. Plain, simple, true,” she declared.
“But if you needed company… why Jimmy?” he asked, pain in his eyes as he once more met her gaze.
Cady kissed him softly, “What Jimmy said was true. I do not know many here, save you, your band, and your ex-girlfriend. Would you have rather have me invite Karen over to our apartment for assistance?”
Pete thought about it for a moment but still scowled, “Well no, but Jimmy?”
“Nothing happened between us,” she declared, pulling away from him. “Come see what we did actually do.”
As she led him around the living room, each step Pete calmed down. The living room certainly did look better, felt better. It pained him that it was Jimmy who assisted her in making their flat a home, not him, but he nearly understood why. He had not been around to do so himself. He merely needed to trust that nothing else happened between the Yardbird and his girlfriend. He trusted Cady; he really did. He already had more to atone for than previously expected. Dinner and flowers were not nearly enough.
Flowers.
“Baby,” he pulled away from her, “I brought you something.”
“You did?”
Pete quickly retrieved the large floral arrangement from the table and held it out to her. Cady gasped, her eyes brightening as she reached out to touch one of the blue petals. Her eyes flicked to his, filled with unspoken questions and thoughts. Slowly her hands circled the vase, covering his, and she leaned forward and gently sniffed the flowers.
“Oh, Pete, they’re beautiful,” she commented.
“Not nearly as beautiful as you,” he responded, leaning over the flowers to kiss her forehead. “And I made reservations for dinner.”
Her eyes flicked to his and she grinned, “For what time?”
“Eight.”
Cady glanced at the clock, “I hope it is close then. It is already after seven. Do I need to change?”
He quickly looked over her appearance. Smiling at how well the blue dresscomplimented her hair, he shook his head.
“You look lovely. But I should change. Give me a few minutes and we shall leave,” he slid his hands away from the vase and kissed her quickly before heading to the bedroom.
Setting the flowers in the center of the coffee table where she could see them from anywhere in the apartment, Cady’s eyes fell on The Kama Sutra. Knowing Pete would jump to conclusions if he saw it, she quickly picked it up. Glancing around for some place to stow it that he would not find, she sighed. There really was nowhere to safely hide it. Then she heard the bathroom door click close, giving her the opportunity to rush into the bedroom and return it to its proper location. After doing just that, she hurried back to the living room and focused on cleaning up the wine-soaked salt.
“I never knew salt could soak up wine,” Pete commented, drawing Cady’s eyes up as she swept the salt into the dustpan.
“Apparently really well,” she responded. “I don’t even think there will be a stain.”
“No matter if there is. I am sure it was an accident,” he picked up the two wine glasses and headed into the kitchen.
Standing back up she followed him, stopping to empty the dustpan into the garbage can, “So you’re okay now?”
“Cady… I’m sorry. I overreacted. I love and trust you. If you say there is nothing going on between you and Page, then I believe you. Forgive me.”
She set the dustpan on the counter and slipped her arms around his neck, pressing her lips to his, “Of course I forgive you. You did not do anything wrong at all. I am sure that it was scary to walk in and not expect what you saw.”
“I trust you. Implicitly. Shall we depart for dinner?”
“Will you put the top down on the car?”
“The weather outside is nice. I do not see why not,” Pete answered, smiling.
“Then let me grab a scarf for my hair first. Then we can go.”
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