Chapter 3
Valerie walks with Richie to the cash register and waits as he pays for their coffee and tips the waitress. They leave through the rear exit where Richie's car is parked. He leads her toward a silver sports car, unlocks and opens the door for Valerie.
"This is your car?" she asks acting a little surprised.
"Yup, this is my toy," Richie replies smiling proudly.
"Nice," Valerie responds, although she prefers bigger vehicles like her Tahoe.
She climbs in and is surprised watching Richie as he slides into the driver's seat and with him being so tall it's a wonder he has any leg room at all. When Richie starts the car music blares loudly through the speakers and he quickly reaches over to turn down the volume.
"Sorry about that," he apologizes giving her a sheepish smile.
"It's ok. I do it all the time too." She smiles back.
"So....how do I get to your house?"
Valerie gives him directions and luckily it doesn't sound too confusing or complicated. While driving they sit in silence for most of the ride and they both feel somewhat awkward when it seemed so easy to chat freely before. Richie doesn't say anything other than occasionally asking if he is going the right way. It's not long they approach her house and Valerie almost wishes the ride would last a little longer.
"Thanks for the ride home."
"Hey, no problem. It's the least I could do after spending an enjoyable evening with you." Richie pauses before giving her the most charming sexy smile. "Is there any way I could sweet talk you into giving me your number? I'd love for you to ask me in for a drink or something but that would be pushing my luck and I am a gentleman above all else." He smiles again and his eyes sparkle with hidden desire, mischief and loads of promise.
"Do you have a pen and paper?"
Richie leans over and searches through the glove compartment with the impatience of a rattled school boy.
Valerie jots down her name and number then hands it back to him.
"Thanks," he says awkwardly.
"No problem." She smiles and turns away looking out the window into the darkness while shifting in her seat.
"So what are you doing tomorrow?" he asks wanting to spend more time with her now, tomorrow and the next day.
"My friends are coming over sometime before noon then we are going to the mall to do some shopping."
"Is it ok if I give you a call? Maybe we can meet up.....that is if your friends don't mind."
"Yeah sure. I don't see any problem with that. I'll have my cell phone with me. I'm sure they won't mind if you meet up if us." Valerie tries hard to contain her excitement. No doubt her friends will be as excited as she is at the prospect of meeting much less hanging out with a famous rock star.
Richie smiles looking quite pleased. He looks into her eyes leaning forward closing in the distance between them. Valerie's eyes flutter shut as he softly places his lips against hers. She's surprised by the gentleness of the kiss. All rational thoughts leave her and she can only concentrate on feeling the silky smoothness of his mouth against hers. She's lost, the feeling of electricity coursing through her body at the simple gesture. Her lips part slightly with Richie taking the lead, his tongue coaxing her mouth to open for him. She obliges, the kiss deepens, and soon their tongues are dancing with each other.
Richie's hand slides to the back of her neck drawing her closer. Valerie's senses are overloaded, the taste of him, the smell of his light cologne, the feel of his hand lightly caressing the back of her neck, she doesn't want to even think about this kiss ending. After what seemed like an eternity, both wrapped up in their flaring passion they finally break away. They are each stunned by the magnetism of a simple kiss between them.
Richie looks down sheepishly not sure of Valerie's reaction. Did she enjoy the kiss as much as I did? Why am I feeling so insecure? He can have practically any woman he would ever want yet Valerie leaves him feeling unsure and unsteady. He felt the blood rushing down between his legs, hoping to God she doesn’t notice his bulging erection. He doesn't want her to think he's only interested in one thing, although if that kiss is any indication of what it'll be like taking her to bed he won't be able to hold back for too long.
"Well, I better go inside." Valerie smiles at him.
"Ok...I'll talk to you tomorrow then?" Richie asks hesitantly hoping he didn't push her too far.
"Of course, give me a call tomorrow around noon. I'm looking forward to it," she says giving him a reassuring smile.
"Sounds good." Richie smiles back as he watches her climb out of the car. His hand is itching to reach out and pull her back in for another kiss.
Valerie shuts the door and walks slowly up the driveway to the front door of the house. Before she opens the door she looks back and watches Richie drive away standing still and in place until he is long gone and out of sight. Her hand slowly drifts across her lips and she smiles remembering the kiss they shared. Her lips tingle and a fresh rush courses through her.
When she enters the house she can hear the TV in the family room. She walks into the family room instead of going straight upstairs to her bedroom, and she isn't at all surprised to see Chris sitting on the sofa waiting up for her.
"I was starting to wonder if you were going to come back home tonight." Chris looks up from watching TV, the concern and worry evident on his face.
"I'm not that kind of girl. I don't fall into bed the first night I meet a guy......give me a little more credit than that. Nothing happened, we just talked," Valerie replies trying not to sound offended. "So how was your talk with Jon?" She wants to change the subject.
"It was good. He told us about the struggles he had trying to make it into the music industry. He gave us some tips so hopefully we don't make the same mistakes he did by getting involved with the wrong manager. He warned us about the ups and downs and some of what to expect." Chris knows Valerie is trying to avoid talking about Richie but he isn't about to let her off that easy. "So, what about you and Richie? What did you guys talk about?"
"Oh... we just talked about family, about what we do, what our interests are, you know things like that. I told him about our parents and about my being in college."
"That can't be all you talked about....hell, you were gone for over 2 hours.'
"We flirted a little and joked around....I think he likes me. Anyway, I don't see why it matters what we talked about." Valerie is getting a little annoyed.
"I'm sorry Val, I'm just a little leery about you getting involved with a rock star."
"Why?"
"I just don't want you to get your hopes up and then get hurt. Also, who's to say but what if he ends up being like Brad? Rock stars don't have the best track record when it comes to relationships."
"I can't live in fear that every guy I date might be like Brad. Brad was an asshole and I can't continue to let him have this control over me. I have to move on." Valerie replies angrily. "You can't protect me from everything. I have to live my life. If Richie and I decide to date then that's our choice, not yours. I'm a big girl."
Chris is a little taken aback by the conviction in her voice. He knows he has a tendency to be a bit overly protective of Val at times but he can't help but feel uncomfortable about her going out with a famous rock star. He himself has had girls throwing themselves at him constantly since he started playing at the Stone Pony occasionally. He has respect for Richie both musically and as a person but when it comes to dating his sister, then it's like playing in a whole other ballpark. He just can't bear to see her hurt again.
He walks up to her and puts his hand on her shoulders. "I just want to warn you to be careful. You have to understand I want you to be happy. I don't want you to get hurt." Chris says looking into her eyes.
"I understand Chris and I appreciate that you want to protect me but I have to live my life. I can't live in fear of what may or may not happen. I promise I'll try to take things slow with Richie but if things feel right between us then I'm not going to hold back just out of fear."
Chris still has this look on his face like he isn't about to let this go. He shakes his head in temporary defeat knowing his sister can be just as stubborn as him. He'll let it go for now but this is far from over.
"I don't want to fight with you about this. We'll just wait and see. You know how I feel about it and I know how you feel."
Valerie decides they are done for now. Chris will come around once he realizes this is the happiest she has been in quite a long time.
"Well, I'm going to bed. Nikki's coming over in the morning to pick me up to go to the mall."
As Valerie climbs the stairs she finally realizes just how very tired she is. Once in her room, undressed and in bed it only takes a few minutes and she is fast asleep left dreaming of Richie Sambora and the kiss they shared.
Valerie walks with Richie to the cash register and waits as he pays for their coffee and tips the waitress. They leave through the rear exit where Richie's car is parked. He leads her toward a silver sports car, unlocks and opens the door for Valerie.
"This is your car?" she asks acting a little surprised.
"Yup, this is my toy," Richie replies smiling proudly.
"Nice," Valerie responds, although she prefers bigger vehicles like her Tahoe.
She climbs in and is surprised watching Richie as he slides into the driver's seat and with him being so tall it's a wonder he has any leg room at all. When Richie starts the car music blares loudly through the speakers and he quickly reaches over to turn down the volume.
"Sorry about that," he apologizes giving her a sheepish smile.
"It's ok. I do it all the time too." She smiles back.
"So....how do I get to your house?"
Valerie gives him directions and luckily it doesn't sound too confusing or complicated. While driving they sit in silence for most of the ride and they both feel somewhat awkward when it seemed so easy to chat freely before. Richie doesn't say anything other than occasionally asking if he is going the right way. It's not long they approach her house and Valerie almost wishes the ride would last a little longer.
"Thanks for the ride home."
"Hey, no problem. It's the least I could do after spending an enjoyable evening with you." Richie pauses before giving her the most charming sexy smile. "Is there any way I could sweet talk you into giving me your number? I'd love for you to ask me in for a drink or something but that would be pushing my luck and I am a gentleman above all else." He smiles again and his eyes sparkle with hidden desire, mischief and loads of promise.
"Do you have a pen and paper?"
Richie leans over and searches through the glove compartment with the impatience of a rattled school boy.
Valerie jots down her name and number then hands it back to him.
"Thanks," he says awkwardly.
"No problem." She smiles and turns away looking out the window into the darkness while shifting in her seat.
"So what are you doing tomorrow?" he asks wanting to spend more time with her now, tomorrow and the next day.
"My friends are coming over sometime before noon then we are going to the mall to do some shopping."
"Is it ok if I give you a call? Maybe we can meet up.....that is if your friends don't mind."
"Yeah sure. I don't see any problem with that. I'll have my cell phone with me. I'm sure they won't mind if you meet up if us." Valerie tries hard to contain her excitement. No doubt her friends will be as excited as she is at the prospect of meeting much less hanging out with a famous rock star.
Richie smiles looking quite pleased. He looks into her eyes leaning forward closing in the distance between them. Valerie's eyes flutter shut as he softly places his lips against hers. She's surprised by the gentleness of the kiss. All rational thoughts leave her and she can only concentrate on feeling the silky smoothness of his mouth against hers. She's lost, the feeling of electricity coursing through her body at the simple gesture. Her lips part slightly with Richie taking the lead, his tongue coaxing her mouth to open for him. She obliges, the kiss deepens, and soon their tongues are dancing with each other.
Richie's hand slides to the back of her neck drawing her closer. Valerie's senses are overloaded, the taste of him, the smell of his light cologne, the feel of his hand lightly caressing the back of her neck, she doesn't want to even think about this kiss ending. After what seemed like an eternity, both wrapped up in their flaring passion they finally break away. They are each stunned by the magnetism of a simple kiss between them.
Richie looks down sheepishly not sure of Valerie's reaction. Did she enjoy the kiss as much as I did? Why am I feeling so insecure? He can have practically any woman he would ever want yet Valerie leaves him feeling unsure and unsteady. He felt the blood rushing down between his legs, hoping to God she doesn’t notice his bulging erection. He doesn't want her to think he's only interested in one thing, although if that kiss is any indication of what it'll be like taking her to bed he won't be able to hold back for too long.
"Well, I better go inside." Valerie smiles at him.
"Ok...I'll talk to you tomorrow then?" Richie asks hesitantly hoping he didn't push her too far.
"Of course, give me a call tomorrow around noon. I'm looking forward to it," she says giving him a reassuring smile.
"Sounds good." Richie smiles back as he watches her climb out of the car. His hand is itching to reach out and pull her back in for another kiss.
Valerie shuts the door and walks slowly up the driveway to the front door of the house. Before she opens the door she looks back and watches Richie drive away standing still and in place until he is long gone and out of sight. Her hand slowly drifts across her lips and she smiles remembering the kiss they shared. Her lips tingle and a fresh rush courses through her.
When she enters the house she can hear the TV in the family room. She walks into the family room instead of going straight upstairs to her bedroom, and she isn't at all surprised to see Chris sitting on the sofa waiting up for her.
"I was starting to wonder if you were going to come back home tonight." Chris looks up from watching TV, the concern and worry evident on his face.
"I'm not that kind of girl. I don't fall into bed the first night I meet a guy......give me a little more credit than that. Nothing happened, we just talked," Valerie replies trying not to sound offended. "So how was your talk with Jon?" She wants to change the subject.
"It was good. He told us about the struggles he had trying to make it into the music industry. He gave us some tips so hopefully we don't make the same mistakes he did by getting involved with the wrong manager. He warned us about the ups and downs and some of what to expect." Chris knows Valerie is trying to avoid talking about Richie but he isn't about to let her off that easy. "So, what about you and Richie? What did you guys talk about?"
"Oh... we just talked about family, about what we do, what our interests are, you know things like that. I told him about our parents and about my being in college."
"That can't be all you talked about....hell, you were gone for over 2 hours.'
"We flirted a little and joked around....I think he likes me. Anyway, I don't see why it matters what we talked about." Valerie is getting a little annoyed.
"I'm sorry Val, I'm just a little leery about you getting involved with a rock star."
"Why?"
"I just don't want you to get your hopes up and then get hurt. Also, who's to say but what if he ends up being like Brad? Rock stars don't have the best track record when it comes to relationships."
"I can't live in fear that every guy I date might be like Brad. Brad was an asshole and I can't continue to let him have this control over me. I have to move on." Valerie replies angrily. "You can't protect me from everything. I have to live my life. If Richie and I decide to date then that's our choice, not yours. I'm a big girl."
Chris is a little taken aback by the conviction in her voice. He knows he has a tendency to be a bit overly protective of Val at times but he can't help but feel uncomfortable about her going out with a famous rock star. He himself has had girls throwing themselves at him constantly since he started playing at the Stone Pony occasionally. He has respect for Richie both musically and as a person but when it comes to dating his sister, then it's like playing in a whole other ballpark. He just can't bear to see her hurt again.
He walks up to her and puts his hand on her shoulders. "I just want to warn you to be careful. You have to understand I want you to be happy. I don't want you to get hurt." Chris says looking into her eyes.
"I understand Chris and I appreciate that you want to protect me but I have to live my life. I can't live in fear of what may or may not happen. I promise I'll try to take things slow with Richie but if things feel right between us then I'm not going to hold back just out of fear."
Chris still has this look on his face like he isn't about to let this go. He shakes his head in temporary defeat knowing his sister can be just as stubborn as him. He'll let it go for now but this is far from over.
"I don't want to fight with you about this. We'll just wait and see. You know how I feel about it and I know how you feel."
Valerie decides they are done for now. Chris will come around once he realizes this is the happiest she has been in quite a long time.
"Well, I'm going to bed. Nikki's coming over in the morning to pick me up to go to the mall."
As Valerie climbs the stairs she finally realizes just how very tired she is. Once in her room, undressed and in bed it only takes a few minutes and she is fast asleep left dreaming of Richie Sambora and the kiss they shared.
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