by Jesse Jordan
Cora comes out from the back, smiling. “She was asleep almost before she hit the pillow. So... Rocky, would you like to take a walk?”
“I'd love that,” I reply, taking her hand. “How long is Bella normally down?”
“Today, with all this excitement? Let's give her ninety minutes,” Cora says.
Dad speaks up as he sits down in his favorite chair. He looks tired but excited. Part of me wonders if he hasn't been looking forward to being a grandfather, he certainly had fun today.
“You two take your time, if she wakes up early I think I'd like a little more playtime,” he reassures us. “Enjoy your walk.”
We leave the house still holding hands, and I reconsider for a moment about taking her to the garage, the place we spent so many hours together. I stop outside the open door, looking. “Too bad Mom and Dad put their cars back in there.”
Cora looks, and hums. She wraps her arm through mine and squeezes, a soft smile on her face. “You know, that garage has some of my happiest memories from my childhood? I fell in love with you in there.”
“I think I fell in love with you there too,” I muse, looking out of the corner of my eye at her. “All day today, I've been trying to pin down exactly the moment, and I can't. I just kept having flashbacks to playing in the garage or singing with just you or eating lunch in the band room over at SHS together. I don't think there's a single moment, but at the same time, I can't think of a moment, looking back, that I didn't love you. I just... I was too caught up in trying to become a rock star.”
Cora steps in front of me and puts her arms around my neck, looking up into my eyes. “I'm talking both as the woman who loves you and as your manager right now. I don't want you to give it up. We made magic together, and we will continue making magic together.”
“And if we argue or disagree?” I ask. “A lot of couples have problems working together because of that.”
“Then we disagree, we argue at work, and we make it up to each other at home,” Cora laughs. “Rocky, in all those flashbacks, do you remember some of the arguments we used to have about music or ideas for the Shattered Dreams? Yet, I still loved you the whole time. Even when you were being a stubborn, blind goof. And more importantly, you forgave me the moment you realized how I'd been hiding from you. So, what I want to do, Rocky Blake... is take a walk down to the canyon with you. I'd say the garage, even with the two cars in it... but I don't want your Mom to hear.”
The heat in her words adds to the anticipation in my mind and we start walking again, heading down the street towards the old trail into the canyon. There's no need for words as we make our way down the beginning of the trail, we just hold hands, until we reach the very bottom, and Cora turns to me, putting her arms around my neck. “My love.”
“My love,” I reply, picking her up. I carry her off the track and over to a rock that catches my eye, and grin, it's the perfect height. “You know, pretty soon we're going to have to make love in a real bed. Sound studios, canyons... we're very unusual.”
“It's only rock n' roll, but I like it,” Cora teases, pulling me in for a kiss. Her hands roam over my back, and I'm glad that I wore just a long-sleeved t-shirt and some casual athletic pants that I'd changed into after we brought Bella over, it allows me to quickly sit back and pull my shirt over my head, tossing it onto a nearby oak branch, my eyes fixed on her amazing blues.
I lean in for another kiss, letting my lips trail across to her ear, licking the perfect curve slowly before running my tongue around the inside of the shell, Cora moaning deeply as I do. Kissing down her neck, I lift her up again, cupping her ass through the casual sweats she's wearing. Squeezing her ass a little, my cock surges in my pants as I feel the silky skin, the perfect blend of firm and soft, the sexy contours of her body. Kissing down her neck, I squeeze and stroke her body, listening to the sounds she's making, focused on her, her pleasure my only concern.
Cora pushes me back, getting off the rock to kiss me again. “I dreamed of this,” she whispers, her hand slipping inside my pants to wrap around my cock and pulling it out. “I want you to watch.”
My eyes are locked on Cora as she leans against the rock, half squatting until her mouth is level with my cock, and she opens her mouth, her dark pink tongue dangling out. She teases me, pumping the shaft of my cock with her fist as she flicks her tongue almost over my cock, until with a naughty glint she drags her tongue over just the tip of my cock, swirling her tongue over the head and sending sparks shooting up my body. I lean forward and grab an overhead tree branch for balance, our eyes not losing each other as she slowly, torturously swallows my cocks, sliding her lips around my shaft and sucking. Her eyes almost glow in the dappled shade of the trees with love, desire, and naughtiness. She knows how good this feels to me, and as she starts to pull back, bobbing her head up and down on my cock, her tongue working invisible devilish magic on the underside of my shaft, I'm lost.
“Cora... oh fuck...” I groan, my hips starting to thrust. Cora keeps up, the warm rumble from her chest thrilling my cock. Cora reaches down between her legs, sliding inside her pants, and I can see the bulge as she starts rubbing herself, her moans mixing with her licks and sucks.
I'm trembling, nearly on the edge when Cora pulls her mouth off, grinning up at me. “Not this time, Rocky. I want you in... oh God... my pussy needs you...”
Cora stands up on shaky legs and kisses me again, my cock bouncing to my racing heart rate I'm so ready to blow. Pulling her hand from her pants she slides a finger under my nose and I can smell the warm, heady scent of her pussy, and I suck on her fingers, drunk off the taste of the woman I love. Cora watches before she kisses my cheek and then my ear, her breath pushing me past the point of all control. Grabbing her arms, I spin her around, pushing her body into the rock and grabbing her hair, pulling her head back.
“You're mine,” I growl in her ear, pushing her pants the rest of the way down. Her ass is creamy white and warm as I line myself up, my cock aching to plunge into her. “Say it!”
“Oh, God yes... I'm yours,” Cora moans, her eyes fluttering as I rub the head of my cock against the wet lips of her pussy. “Rocky... always yours.”
“Who's your man, forever?” I ask, tugging on her ponytail. I'm not normally this forceful, but I want Cora, and I can't fight this need to claim her. “Who do you belong to?”
“Rocky Blake,” Cora sighs happily. “I'm Rocky Blake's.”
“And I'm Cora Clearwater's,” I respond, sliding my cock inside her. Her pussy is tight and hot, like sinking into warm, clingy caramel that molds itself to my cock, my heart, and soul crying out in ecstasy as I thrust deeply, taking her. Both of us moan as I slide all the way in, my hips settling against her ass, fully joined with her. “My love... forever.”
The feeling of pleasure and loss that fills me as I pull back is exquisite, adding to the intensity as I drive in again, thrusting hard this time and smacking hard against her hips, jolting both of us and pushing her against the rock. I pull back and thrust a third time, her body wrapping around my cock and setting my nerves on fire. I growl in triumph, a feral smile on my face. “Yes!”
“Yes!” Cora replies, pushing back into me. I start thrusting, riding the tightness of her body and the warm curve of her ass, feeling her flesh wrap around my cock, tight and amazing. My nerves are on fire, and my hand tugs on her hair, pulling her closer to me. I take her, hammering her firm, supple body, my cock plunging in and out hard and fast. She's mine, I'm hers, and as I pump myself in and out over and over, I'm giving as much as I'm taking.
Cora's pussy tightens around my cock, and I'm groaning, trembling on the edge of coming, but she's not quite there yet. I hold back, my cock aching and my balls tingling as I thrust over and over into Cora's amazing body, my heart aching to please her. She squeezes tighter, and I can feel her also shaking, the first tremors of her orgasm starting.
“Rocky.... fu.. fu.. I'm...!” Cora starts, before her words are cut off, her breath catching before
she lets out a primal scream, and I'm right behind her, my cock exploding deep inside her. I bellow to the afternoon sky, instinct making me call out that this is my woman, my mate, my life and my love. My knees shake with the power of my orgasm, and the local wildlife falls totally silent as my cry echoes through the canyon, evaporating in the cool winter air.
I can barely hold myself up, sagging against Cora's body, the rock holding both of us up, and I wrap my arms around her, holding her tight. “My love, my love,” I whisper over and over. “My love forever.”
We stay there like that until a hawk screams above us, reminding us that we're not alone, and I stand up, still holding her close to me. My cock slips out, soft now after coming, and I sigh happily. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Cora whispers, turning around and hugging me. “I don't want to go back yet though.”
I check my watch and see we still have a little bit of time on Bella's nap. “We don't have to. We should probably pull our clothes back on though. Are... are you okay? I was pretty rough.”
Cora chuckles, and strokes my face, looking into my eyes. “Yes, my love. I'm more than okay. Your words, my words... thank you. One question. Uh... do you think your Mom heard? I'm not sure how she'd handle us being sexual. You know, church-wise?”
I shake my head and kiss her nose. “Mom will deal with it. Nobody and I mean nobody, is going to come between us ever. I love you, and I'm quickly starting to love Bella too. In fact, since I haven't been there yet, I was wondering... whose apartment is bigger, yours or mine?”
“Yours, for sure,” Cora says with a smile. “Why, do you want us to move in?”
“Until we can find someplace for the three of us, sure. So, Cora Clearwater, would you and Bella like to move in together?” I ask, smiling at her.
Cora nods and wraps her arms around my waist. “Rocky Blake, you have yourself a couple of roommates.”
Cora
The Los Angeles Coliseum. Host of two Olympics, the first Super Bowl, dozens of other major sporting events, and more. Tonight, it's ours. Standing in the wings with Bella, I understand the look on her face as she looks out into the stands. The Fragments have pulled almost sixty-seven thousand people to their show, and as the last of the sunset fades and the stadium lights take over, we feel the immense weight of the fans who are here to see the guys.
“Mommy,” Bella asks, tugging on my hand. She's five and a few months now, and while she's started to just call me 'Mom' instead of Mommy, the shock of seeing so many people pushes her back into a comforting word. “Mommy, are there a million people up there?”
“No, honey, but it sure feels that way, doesn't it?” I ask. Bella's got her headphones on, I only allow her close to a concert if she's got high-level headphones on, and being the good kid she is, she doesn't argue about it too much. “I checked right before we came, Larry says that they sold a lot of tickets though.”
Bella nods then looks around. “Where's Daddy?”
I smile, the word still making tears come to my eyes. In the past three months, all on her own, Bella's started calling Rocky 'Daddy,' the first time when the three of us were at lunch together with both Rocky's parents and mine, all the adults stopping. Rocky actually broke down crying, kissing Bella on the forehead and hugging her tight. That night, we made love for hours, both of us fueled by the passion and warmth of that word.
“Daddy's getting ready with Ian and Joey,” I tell her, kneeling down. “Now, do you remember what I told you about how the concert's going to work?”
“The warm-up band's going to go play, then Daddy and Joey and Ian are going to do their part of the concert. And I have to wear my headphones the whole time,” Bella replies dutifully. “If I can't do that, I need to go with Mr. Olson up to the press box.”
“Very good. And if you don't listen to him?” I ask, arching an eyebrow. I've never had to do it, but I won't risk Bella's safety or health bringing her to a concert.
“Then I'm in big trouble,” Bella says. “But you don't have to worry Mom, I'm going to be good.”
“Okay, then headphones on, here comes the opening act,” I say, putting my own earplugs in. I stand back, watching on the big screen on the other side of the field to see what the fans do as the opening act goes into their number. They do their job, getting the crowd warmed up and giving the ticket holders their money's worth. Looking out on the swirling lights and watching the lead singer do her thing, I have to admit they're at least catchy.
When they finish up, the crowd cheers them hard, and I'm glad. They've got a bright future, and who knows, maybe someday they'll be the headliners of their own tour. It is one of the things that I've learned over the year plus that I've been the manager and producer for the guys. Music isn't as dog eat dog as people like to think it is. As long as you're making good stuff, there's plenty of room at the top for everyone.
“Ready?” I ask Bella, tapping her on the shoulder to get her attention. I see Larry coming up in the wings, and I give him a thumb’s up. “Nice find, Larry.”
“You can thank George T for that,” Larry says. “Hey, Rocky asked me to come over here to the wings, do you know why?”
I shake my head, curious. He's been acting strange all day, I figured it was just something to do with the huge concert, which kicks off our North American summer tour. But what's he up to?
“Don't know!” I yell, then realize that Larry doesn't have ear plugs in, and lower my voice. “Sorry. I don't know. Guess we'll find out because here they are.”
Ian and Joey come around, Joey looking so unlike his normal sweet self that Bella does a double take before laughing, making Joey laugh too. The stage director gives them the signal and they go on stage, Rocky emerging from the other wing to the chants and cheers of the crowd. They're scheduled to kick off with Limitless, their new single off the upcoming album, but instead of tearing into the fast track like I'd watched in practice, Rocky holds up a hand. “Thank you, Los Angeles! How're you all doing tonight?”
The roar is nearly physical, and Bella quickly pulls her headphones back on, making me half cringe, I'd forgotten. Rocky waves until the crowd quiets down, then continues. “Ladies and gentlemen, first off, I'd like to apologize to the lighting guys and the other concert folks, I'm calling an audible on tonight's show.”
“What the hell's he doing?” Larry asks, and I shrug, shaking my head.
“I have no idea,” I reply, looking over. “Do you know anything?”
Larry shakes his head, and we look back out on stage. Joey and Ian are both relaxed though, and I think I can see Ian grinning. Obviously, they're in on it, whatever 'it' happens to be.
“You know, it's been one hell of a year for the Fragments,” Rocky says after a moment, smiling. “And for me especially. Now, you guys give me, Joey, and Ian a lot of credit, but I'd like to bring out someone who really is the engine behind our success. She's the woman who's written some of the songs you guys love most, and she's also... well, she's a lot of things to me. Producer, manager, and love of my life. So, Cora Clearwater, will you join us on stage?”
My eyes go wide, and I stare, shocked as Joey unslings his guitar and comes over, grinning. “Come on Cora, we'll take care of you.”
“But, but... I'm in jeans and a t-shirt!” I protest, and Joey laughs.
“So's Rocky, Muse. You can do it, I'll be there with you,” he says, his kind voice totally different from the almost scary makeup he's got on. “You're gonna love this. Besides, with the lights the way they are, you can't see the crowd, so just imagine it's the four of us out there.”
I look down at Bella and pat my daughter on the head. “You stay with Larry.”
“Okay, Mommy,” she says, taking Larry's hand. He looks surprised for a moment, then smiles down affectionately. Taking a deep breath, I let Joey lead me onto the stage, the roar of the crowd buffeting me. As I walk out, a roadie appears, maneuvering another mic stand on stage, and Rocky grins, meeting me halfway across the stage to take my hand
.
“What are you doing?” I ask, Rocky's smile never faltering until he has me in the middle of the stage, the two of us in the middle of the huge spotlight before he speaks again.
“Folks, this woman... she's become the heart and soul of the Fragments. And well, the song that really launched us, I know you guys have listened to it a ton of times, she wrote it. Now, it wasn't because she's such a great songwriter, she is, but because she's such an amazing woman. I used to not like the press, but for those of you who keep up with things, Cora and I have been together for a little while now, and well...”
The whole crowd roars, and I can't believe it as Rocky gets down on one knee, pulling a slim box from his back jeans pocket. I'm trying not to cry, but I lose it when Rocky opens the box and shows me the platinum and diamond ring inside, sparkling in the spotlight. “Cora Clearwater, you're my heart, the sun of my soul, the strength in my life. You've loved me for longer than I can believe still, and your patience, your kindness makes me the richest man in the world. Will you marry me?”
I nod, unable to talk, tears of happiness falling down my face as Rocky takes the ring and slips it on my finger before standing up and embracing me. The roar of the crowd doubles when Bella runs out and we make a family hug, both of us kissing her before I set her down, and start to lead her off stage. Rocky stops me though, not letting go of my wrist. I turn to look as Bella runs off stage with Joey's help again, wondering what the hell Rocky wants.
When Bella's out of the spotlight, Rocky brings his microphone back up. “Just a moment, Cora. I'd like to tell the people here a story, and I need your help.”
I turn back, and while I can hear the crowd, I don't see anything but Rocky, and his green eyes see nothing but me as we wait until there's almost silence in the Coliseum. “You see, Cora and I, we've known each other since we were both thirteen years old. And we quickly became best friends. For Cora though, it became more. I was too blind to realize it, though. All I could think about was the promise we'd made to each other, that we'd make hit records together. And our senior year, I still didn't realize it consciously at the time that Cora loved me. So, one night, Cora wrote a poem, a song lyric. We went our separate ways after that for a while, until God, fate, the Flying Spaghetti Monster, whatever you want to call it, brought us back together to work on an album for the Fragments.”