Chapter 6

I had a very productive day, so I've got an extra chapter to post...

Jon surveyed the scene before him with approval.  Allegra had done good.  The segment of beach set aside for their luau had one long table with enough padded chairs for eleven guests.  Adorning the table were three arrangements of fresh tropical flowers, intermingled with red roses.  White candles were placed in glass hurricane shades, and their flames danced in the evening breeze. 

The area was situated so that the seating was placed between the ocean and a stage with a makeshift curtain.  He supposed she had gotten it for some type of dinner show. 

Just as he was looking at his watch and thinking that the others were late, Tico strolled in.  “Hey man.  Nice setup, but why so many chairs?”

Shaking his head, Jon said, “No idea.  Maybe Allegra invited some of the crew.  She seemed to be pretty interested in at least one of them yesterday.”

“And is that interest something we’re going to accept, or discourage?”

“It’s something we’re going to watch.”

“What are we watching?” Richie asked as he approached the table.  David and Hugh were right on his heels.

“Allegra and Montana,” Tico answered.

“What’s to watch?” Richie wanted to know.

“I don’t know yet,” Jon told him with a meaningful look.

David jumped in with, “Didn’t you guys see the way they were looking at each other yesterday at the arena?  She definitely had some male appreciation going on, and he was eating it up.  Why do you think I kept yelling at her?”

Allegra made her entrance then, instructing, “Have a seat gentlemen. Sit next to one another facing the stage, if you would please.  We’ve arranged a little entertainment before dinner is served.”

The men looked at her with identical expressions of astonishment, and she didn’t think they’d heard a word she just said.

“Hello?  Did you all just go deaf?  What are you looking at?” she demanded, tugging self-consciously at the short hem on her sundress. 

Dot had insisted that she dress ‘appropriately’ for a luau and ordered her to wear the dress she’d brought.  It was a beautiful shade of blue, and emphasized the color of her eyes – but that wasn’t the only thing that was emphasized.  The rayon material clung perfectly to her body and, for the first time, everyone realized what an amazing figure she’d been hiding under her oversized clothing. 

The empire waistline rested just below her breasts and flowed softly down over her hips, with the hemline reaching almost to mid-thigh.  The upper part of the dress had a halter-style neckline that plunged into a deep vee and tied around her neck.  That neckline showcased some pretty impressive cleavage. 

And, as if the dress weren’t enough, Dot had also insisted that she had to wear makeup.  Allegra didn’t mind makeup, but she contended that it had to look natural.  She refused to look like a clown or a prostitute.   Lexi had taken charge at that point, artfully applying a light rose blush, then dark mascara and eyeliner, and finishing up with a neutral, yet flattering, shade of lip color. 

Then they started in about her hair, but Allegra put her foot down there.  Kelli had tried to convince her to leave it flowing loosely down her back, but the thick black waves would just be too hot on her neck.  Not to mention being all over her face in the outdoor breeze.  But, instead of her usual ponytail or braid, she had conceded to a messy up ’do with a few loose tendrils curling around her face and neckline.  And, of course, she wore the traditional hibiscus blossom behind her ear.

The results were astonishing, if the guys’ faces were any indication. 

“Dayum, Legs!”  David finally broke the silence.  “You’re hot!”

“Jesus, Joker.  How many times do I have to tell you, she’s family.  Step off, man!” 

“I’m sorry Kidd, but she’s a fucking bombshell!”

Her face flushed with embarrassment at his words, but irritation rose above that.  “What? You thought I was pathetically unattractive until now?  Or just not the caliber of woman you’d expect from Pretty Boy’s family?”

Tico stepped up, tugging her into a light embrace.  “He’s an ass that doesn’t think before he speaks, mi querido.  Ignore him.  But you do look exceptionally lovely this evening,” he added kissing her cheek.

“It’s just been so long since I’ve seen you dressed up, it was a surprise,” Jon apologized.  He too leaned in to kiss her cheek.  “You look beautiful.”

Hugh added his sentiments, but Richie still didn’t say a word.

“Thank you gentlemen – even you Dave.”  She gestured toward the table. “Now, we’re running behind schedule here.  The entertainers are ready to take the stage if you’ll have a seat like I asked.”

This time they immediately complied.

She made her way to the stage area, addressing them with her hands clasped before her.  “Okay guys.  The Circle Tour ‘unofficially’ kicks off tomorrow night, and I know you’re anxious.  But tonight isn’t about the tour, it’s about love.  So, as an early Valentine’s celebration, Dorothea has arranged for a little something special for you.  I hope you enjoy,” she concluded, moving to seat herself in the odd chair at the end of the table, which happened to be next to Hugh. 

The sunlight was fading and the flickering candlelight didn’t offer much assistance in allowing the men to see who, or what, was emerging from behind the impromptu curtain.  As traditional Hawaiian music began to fill the air, a hidden spotlight snapped to life, revealing the backs of five dancers adorned in grass skirts and bright bikini tops.

The men whooped and whistled in appreciation as the dancers’ hips began to sway in time with the music.

One of those girls looks like a child, Richie thought. 

The girls displayed their skills, gyrating their hips in a circular motion to the progressively faster rhythm.  As the music progressed, each of them showcased their own ‘signature’ move then shimmied around to face their audience.  Lexi was the first to turn.  There was a brief moment of silence, and then men whistled and catcalled even louder as they figured out what was going on. 

It took him a minute to process everything before him, but Richie knew who the smallest dancer was before she ever turned around.  He beamed with joy and pride at the skill his little girl displayed. She was so focused on her dancing, that she didn’t look at her father until the music stopped. But then her face split wide in a heart stopping grin as the guys stomped, whistled and applauded their approval of the performance.

Damn, I’ve missed my baby girl, Richie realized.

Each man moved quickly toward his respective girl as they descended from the stage, bestowing hugs and kisses.

“Baby, you did a hell of a job,” Jon told Dot.  “This is exactly what we needed to get our minds off pre-tour insanity tonight.  Thank you.”

“You didn’t think we’d let you spend all these days in paradise without us did you?”  Kelli piped up.

“So this was just a way to get some beach time!  It had NOTHING to do with showing some well-deserved love to your hard working men!” David accused melodramatically.

Lexi pinched his ass in mock punishment for his behavior as Dot said to the group,  “The original idea may have been mine, and I got the other women to agree, but Allegra deserves the credit for pulling all of this together.  She smuggled us in, made sure we could dance, and planned an amazing meal for all of us to enjoy.”

Allegra smiled, a little wistfully in Dot’s estimation, from her still seated position at the end of the table.  “It was my pleasure, really.”  Rising from her chair, she continued, “Now if you will excuse me, I’m going to go and see how close we are to actually eating.”

After they reseated themselves, Ava had crawled up into Richie’s lap, much to his delight.  “I am sooo happy to see you baby girl.”  He squeezed tight to him.

“Me too, Daddy!  I love Hawaii!”  Her blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

“So do I, darlin’.  Remind me to thank Aunt Dot special for talking to your mom and getting you here.  Did Casey come with you?” The nanny had been with them since Ava was a baby.

“Yes, Casey’s here too, but it wasn’t Aunt Dot that talked to Mom. Well, she did when Mom called her later, but Allegra’s the one who got hold of us.  It was all her idea. At least that’s what Aunt Dot told Mom.”

Well that explains being social this morning.  “Then I’ll have to make sure and thank Allegra.  Hey,” he leaned back to inspect the pink hibiscus blossom in her hair.  “Your flower is on the wrong side.  Everybody else’s is on the other side.”

She informed him importantly, “That’s because I’m not taken.  The hula teacher said that you wear it on the left side to show you’re taken, and the right side to show you’re single.”

“Well, then you ARE wearing it on the wrong side,” he told her, relocating it to rest above her left ear.  “Because you are definitely taken – by me!” 

Ava’s giggles carried all the way to the food preparation area, where Allegra had just instructed the staff to begin the meal service.  With that accomplished, she started back down the beach path, but found herself wavering  Leaning against a palm tree, she deliberated at the wisdom of rejoining the group. It was a Valentine’s celebration after all, and she’d be the only un-paired one at the table.  Why didn’t I think of that sooner, she chastised herself.

Loneliness engulfed Allegra.  It was an uncommon feeling for her, but she was tired of being alone.

Sighing, she pulled out her cell phone to send Jon a text.   Not feeling well.  Going to my room.  Tell everyone to enjoy the evening. ~A

Jon read the text and, frowning, showed his phone to Dot.  “I’m going to check on her,” he said quietly, rising from his seat.

His wife placed her hand on his forearm, just as the wait staff appeared with their food.  “We’ll check on her later.  Let her rest for now.”

He reluctantly resumed his place at the table, as the others were oohing and aahing over the food selections.  Everything was brought to the table on serving platters, creating the convenience of a buffet, without having to leave the table. 

They had all made their food selections and were beginning to start their meals when David commented on Allegra’s absence.   “Where’s Legs?”

“She wasn’t feeling well and went up to her room,” Dot explained.  “Jon and I will stop in after dinner to make sure she’s okay.”

There was no time for further discussion.  A group of fire dancers appeared, and surrounded the group to begin their spectacular performance. 

-----

Allegra stepped onto the elevator and pushed the button for her floor.  Just as the doors were closing, a masculine hand appeared between them.  The doors immediately retracted, allowing the passenger entry.  She glanced up to find Montana giving her a wolfish once-over.  Apparently, he approved of the enhanced Allegra too.  “I told you our paths would be crossing again soon.”

She smiled suggestively at him.  Perfect…

“Where are you headed to all dressed up?” He asked, eyeing her from bare legs to suggestive neckline and accented eyes.

“I just left a luau.  I’m headed back to my room.”  She screwed up her courage before adding, “Would you like to join me?”

“Sure.” His grin was positively feral. 

The elevator doors slid open on the fifth floor, and she exited, glancing over her shoulder to see if he was actually going to follow her.

Smiling reassuringly, he offered her his arm and escorted her the short distance to her room.  Taking the key card from her hand, he opened the door, and passed the card back.  She crossed the threshold and waited for him enter before allowing the door to close behind him. 

Her room was just a standard one, with no sitting area.  That left a desk chair and the bed for seating.  She gestured toward the bed, inviting him to have a seat.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he told her as she settled next to him.

“Thank you.”  She inhaled deeply before continuing,  “Listen Montana – I don’t do this kind of thing – ever.  But I’m lonely tonight.  I want to be with someone.  Are you okay with that?”  She held her breath in anticipation.

He turned toward her, sliding his hand up to cradle the back of her neck, and inched his face closer to hers.  “I’m more than okay with that,” he murmured as his lips touched hers.

His kiss was soft at first, testing the waters.  Gradually he became more aggressive, lapping at her lips with his tongue.  She moaned softly at the sensations racing through her. Putting her hands on either side of her face, she pushed her body closer to his and parted her lips to invite him in.  Then it was his turn to moan as he got his first true taste of her.  Their tongues danced together, the friction escalating the tension even further. 

Montana glided his hand over her ribcage, resting just below her breast.  His thumb gently stroked her, finally finding her nipple.  That first touch caused shockwaves to run through Allegra like lightning, and she cried out in pleasure.

“You’re so damn responsive,” he crooned as his lips began a journey down her exposed neck.

She tilted her head to give him better access, and the warmth of his mouth sent shivers up her spine.  She needed to touch more of him and pushed her hands under his t-shirt, stroking from his stomach upward to his pectoral muscles.  He felt so good!  He was a warm, solid man that wanted her.  She didn’t question it, because the evidence of his want was pressing against her thigh. 

He reached around to untie the halter neck, and she arched her back as the bodice of the dress dropped free.  Leaning forward to take one of the bronze nipples in his mouth, swirling around it lightly with his tongue.

Allegra gasped at the contact.  Then she gasped again, startled by a sudden pounding at the door.

“Allegra, it’s Jon.  Are you okay?”  his voice called through the wood.

“Shit!” Montana exclaimed and jumped up, moving to stand and look out the window.

She grumbled as she re-situated the bodice of her dress, and tied it back in place.  “Just stay there,” she told Montana.  “This won’t take a minute.”

Pulling open the door only a few inches, she met a mirror image of her own eyes.  “I’m fine Jon.  It was just a headache and I didn’t want to ruin everyone’s time.  Go enjoy your wife.”

He took in her puffy lips, flushed cheeks and glassy eyes.  “Aren’t you going to invite me in?” he asked, pushing the door back toward the wall, and immediately spotting Montana.  “I see you have company, so I guess you WEREN’T going to invite me in.”

She stood with the door open, hand on the frame.  “No, I wasn’t as a matter of fact.  I DO have company, and so do you for that matter.  GO SEE YOUR WIFE.”

Jon’s stink eye was notorious among fans, family, and crew alike.  It wasn’t a common occurrence, but when it happened you knew you’d fucked up but good.  Montana had never been on the receiving end of it – until now.