Part 2
06/20/87 - Irvine, CA
California was warm and sunny when the private plane landed for the three sold out shows that Bon Jovi would be doing there. Utah was nothing all that special. Ashley was now more comfortable around everyone. She and Jon had begun to meet in the mornings to work out together. She saw that he was really a nice guy and they seemed to have gotten past their first impression of each other.
But, Richie was a different story. He was nice and joked around a lot. Still she couldn’t help but blush every time he was near her and wondered if he noticed.
Ashley had also made friends with the only other girl on tour, Spanky; the wardrobe assistant. Spanky invited her to go shopping with her in California. Doc promised his credit card and Ashley happily agreed.
They set out early for the day. Spanky had a list of items by request. Richie needed a new pair of leather pants, Jon needed another Jacket, Tico wanted shirts and Dave said he’d be happy with anything new, while Alec said he’d pass. They went to the mall and grabbed sodas and then set out to do some shopping.
“So, what kind of clothes are you gonna buy?” Spanky asked her as they were walking down the mall.
Ashley took a deep breath and sighed. “I’m not sure.”
“Let’s go in here.” She said pointing to a store called, The Body Shoppe.
Ashley followed Spanky inside the store and laughed when she saw the clothes on display. “This isn’t my style.”
“We will find something you’ll like. All the kids your age wear this kind to the shows.”
The clothes were all sexually suggestive and that scared her in some sense, but it also got her to excited a little bit.
Spanky laughed and pulled her arm, “Come on we'll just try on a few things and if you don't like it what did we lose but some time?"
“I’ve never wore this stuff before.” She argued as Spanky held up a jean skirt to her waist.
“Then you don’t know if you like it or not.” She said back to her.
“Spanky, I’m telling you I’ve never….”
Spanky stopped her. “I know Ashley, but you said you wanted change, right?”
Ashley bit her lip and nodded her head. Spanky shoved some clothes at her, “Go try those on; I’ll wait right outside.”
Ashley went back to the dressing room and tried on the acid washed black denim skirt and matching jacket. After she had it on, she actually liked it. The jacket was fitted. She stepped out of the dressing room and went to the 3 way mirror just outside the door.
“Well?” Spanky asked.
Ashley looked at her and laughed, “What do you think?” She asked as she looked at the view from the back.
“It’s a great outfit and you look great. Let me go find some boots, what size are you?”
“Eight,” Ashley said as she stared at her self in the mirror.
Spanky ran off, and was back in no time at all.
“Here you go,” Spanky said as she pulled some boots out of the box.
“That was fast.” Ashley laughed as she sat down and started putting them on.
“Hey, I know my clothes. I’ve been doing this for awhile now.”
Ashley stood up and Spanky nodded her head. She looked in the mirror and smiled. The boots came up to her calves and were cowboy cut. The outfit was complete and Ashley was thrilled at the new look Spanky had helped her put together.
They spent the next few hours shopping. Spanky taught Ashley how to shop for the type of clothes to suit her best and Ashley loved every single thing she had bought.
“Now we need to get you a boyfriend and you’ll be set,” Spanky said as they rode back to the hotel.
“Speaking of…there’s a new guy starting in a few days, he’s your age. Nineteen I believe. I can’t remember his name right off. Anyway, he’ll be working with Obie at the soundboard, he’s an intern. “
Ashley laughed. “Well, let’s see if he’s cute or not before you have me married to the guy.”
They entered the hotel lobby carrying all of their bags. Richie had just stepped out of the elevator when he saw them coming. He rushed over and offered his help.
“Ladies…did you buy the whole mall?” He joked as he took bags from each of them.
Ashley grinned up at him as he took her bag.
“No, just half of it.” Spanky laughed. “And I bought you some cool leather pants. I hope they’ll fit you.
Richie smiled. “Great!”
Ashley pushed the button for the elevator and the door opened right away. They all three got inside and went up to the top floor. In the hallway, Spanky separated the bags giving Richie his and then taking the rest into her room.
“Let me help you to your room,” Richie said to Ashley when he saw how many bags she had.
“Thanks,” she smiled hoping she didn’t seem too pleased that he was offering to help her.
"You got a few bags here," Richie said. "I hope you found something to wear to one of our shows; that is if you ever plan on coming."
“As a matter of fact, I was actually planning on coming to the show tonight. I found something to wear.”
Richie smiled. “Great.”
He walked her to her door and Ashley thanked him once again for helping carry all her bags.
"Do you need me to help you carry them inside?" Richie asked
"N...no…," Ashley stammered. Just the thought of him inside her room made her nervous.
Richie saw that he had made her nervous. "Well then, I guess I’ll just take my own package back to my room. I gotta try these on and see if Spanky is right."
Just before he turned to walk away he looked back and winked. "Wanna come see if they’re tight enough?" He teased.
Ashley’s eyes widened as she scrambled for the words to answer him.
Richie couldn’t help but grin. He walked back and stood dangerously close to her. His eyes twinkled with bad-boy excitement as he said in a voice just above a whisper, "I could always try them on in your room."
Just as he hoped, her cheeks flushed. What he didn’t expect was how much it turned him on. But quickly he knew he had to put that fire out. Why he did it, he hadn’t a clue. She smiled at him and shook her head at his statement but said nothing. She turned to unlock her door fumbling with her purse and the packages in her arms. As she got her room key out of her purse one of her bags fell; spilling its contents into the hall. She hadn’t seen Jon coming down the hall and was mortified when he bent down and picked up the lacy black bra Spanky had talked her into getting.
"Nice apparel, Ash," Jon said holding the delicate garment.
"Give me that!" She said as she snatched it out of his hands. "It’s not for you."
Jon grinned. "Oh? Who is it for then?"
"None of your business," she said indignantly.
He laughed as he reached out and ruffled her hair. "Just be careful kid not all guys are nice; there are a lot of wolves in our business who‘d break your heart."
He turned and smiled at Richie who was grinning from ear to ear and then Jon went down the hall to his room.
Richie watched Jon disappear into his room and then turned back to Ashley. “So who's the lace number for?"
Ashley felt her heart stop and then pick back up at a rapid pace. “Why should it be for anyone?” She asked not daring to look at him.
She suddenly felt empowered, liking the new attitude the new clothes gave her.
"When a woman wears a sweet number like that it's normally for the man she wants to attract."
"I'll keep that in mind." She managed to say without blushing.
"You do that," He said as he winked at her. “I guess I need to go. I’ll catch you later on, darlin.”
She felt her stomach do flip flops when he called her darlin’. She smiled, “Okay.”
She went inside her room and closed the door. Her smile grew wider when she giggled to herself. She pulled out the outfit, laying it across the bed, and sitting the boots in the floor. She laid the black lace bra and matching bikini beside it, smiling again as she thought of what Richie said.
Richie went into his room and took out the pair of pants Spanky had gotten him. He tried them on and found they fit like a glove. A wicked grin crossed his face as he opened the door and walked barefoot down to Ashley's room. He knocked on her door and grinned when she opened it and stood staring at him.
His dark eyes sparkled as he asked, "Whadda think? Are they tight enough?"
Her eyes traveled over his chest, down the length of his pants to where he stood barefoot on the hotel carpeting.
"Cat got your tongue?" Richie laughed.
"No...I," she began.
"Well, how do they look?" he asked as he held his arms out wide and turned in a slow circle before her.
She still hadn’t spoken as he finished his circle. When he stood facing her once again he saw clothing lying out on her bed.
"Is that your outfit for the night?" He asked.
She glanced over her shoulder forgetting all about the fact that every piece of clothing she was intending to wear was laying on that bed; remembering only the things anyone would see and not her undergarments.
She turned to look back at him. "Yes."
"Why don’t you model it for me?" He asked.
When she didn’t move or reply he added with a wink, "I showed you mine; won’t you show me yours?"
Ashley blushed and couldn’t say anything. She just stood there with a silly school girl look on her face. One that she was trying to hide at this point.
"Come on Ashley give me a sneak peek," He begged, making a cute little puppy face. "I'm going to see you later on anyway," he reasoned.
She laughed shaking her head. She really wanted to know what he thought…
"Look I’ll be a good boy. I’ll sit and wait in your room; you can change in the bathroom."
She sighed and then stepped aside and let him come in to her room.
He walked over to the bed and stood looking down. Pointing to the black lace bikini he said, "Nice matched set you got. I do like things in pairs."
She quickly picked them up, "You’re not supposed to see that."
He shook his head as if that was the biggest disappointment for his day. "Damn, and that looks like the best part of the outfit."
She was having a hard time believing that he was giving her this kind of attention, but she liked it.
He laughed again. "Seriously, go get dressed I want to see the way it all comes together. I’ll give you a guy’s opinion if you’d like one."
She shrugged her shoulders and smiled, “I’ll be right back.”
He sat down on the bed as she went into the bathroom and closed the door. Taking off her clothes, she got nervous as she thought about what she was doing and closed her eyes and mouth to keep from giggling to loud. After she dressed, she looked at herself. It didn’t look as good as she thought it did earlier and she frowned. She opened the door, and stepped out to show him. He looked up at her and she felt like she was about to die, she bit her lip to keep it from trembling.
A slow smile spread across his face as he looked at the girl standing before him. "Turn around let me see the whole thing," He asked her.
She closed her eyes and held her breathe, turning for him to see her entire outfit.
Richie shook his head slowly from side to side. ‘Jon was right she did have a nice ass,’ he thought. 'Among other things.'
"Darlin’ you look really good," He told her.
She gave him a bashful smile as she lowered her eyes to the floor. "You’re just saying that to be nice."
"No, I'm telling you because you do." He said to her.
She raised her head and looked up at him. "Sexy?" She questioned him with innocent eyes.
“Definitely.”
He looked at her long and hard, smiling ever so slightly. He asked himself just what the hell he was doing. She was 17 for God’s sake! He promised Jon he wouldn’t get into anymore trouble this tour. Women always got him in trouble. This is insane.
She laughed and flipped her hair over her shoulder, blinking casually at him. “I guess sexy is allowed now right?” She asked.
Richie laughed. “Depends on what you’re looking for.”
She turned around to take off her boots so she could say it without looking at him. “Fun. Excitement. Things I’ve never done before.”
Richie had to keep from his mouth dropping open on the floor, because she turned back around just as quick as she said it. “Out of the watchful eye of anyone that wants to stop me of course,” she laughed.
He started to laugh, seeing that she knew exactly what she said and she meant the way she said it too. “Innocent school girl meets bewitching sex goddess?” He asked with his eyes locked on hers.
She shrugged one shoulder and smiled confidently. “I would have settled for sexy, but thanks.”
Woah! Richie thought as he laughed with her. What the hell had gotten in to him? He was doing so good until just a second ago. It had been six months since he had been with a woman. Something he never thought he would ever do. Actually he had gotten used to it. But now…now, this beautiful creature before him was making sexual innuendo exciting once again. Again, he remembered her age.
“So, you are definitely coming to tonight’s show? He asked as he went for the door.
“I think I’m ready,” she said as she followed behind him.
Richie turned around just before went out the door. “Just remember what Jon said. Not all guys are nice.”
Ashley smiled a smug smile, not holding anything back as her pulse raced with the most excitement she had ever had in her life. “But I bet the best ones are bad.”
Richie shook his finger at her as he closed the door behind him. Out in the hallway he told himself a cold shower was on top of his to-do-list before he left for the show. How in the hell did that just happen? He knew with her background that she had probably never flirted before. But she did a hell of a job at it. As he walked down the hallway suddenly it occurred to him that she wasn’t as sweet and innocent as she let on and that really turned him on. Okay, so...I’ll just test the water some more and find out myself. He thought but made a note that he wouldn’t do anything with her, he just wanted to see if there was more to her then meets the eye.
He was now wondering if the innocent school girl act was just that.
Ashley closed the door and let out a big sigh. She could hardly contain herself as she went into the bathroom to start getting ready. She was now running late, and Spanky would be there soon. She thought about pinching herself, to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. Was Richie really interested, or was he just being nice to her? She planned on trying to find out the truth, if she could get up the nerve anyway.
After her shower, she wrapped in one of the big white fluffy towels hanging beside the shower. She heard a knock on the door, and wrapped a towel around her head and went to answer it. She looked out the peep hole and saw it was Spanky, and then opened the door.
“Hey girl!” Spanky said as she threw up her hand to waive at her.
Ashley moved from the door to let her in. “I’m sorry, I meant to be dressed by now, but I got a late start.” She said as she pulled out the makeup that Spanky helped her pick out earlier.
“You did? Spanky laughed.
“Richie wanted an opinion on his leather pants and he ended up staying here talking.” She explained.
“Oh, well did they fit him?” Spanky asked her.
Ashley laughed to her self as her right eyebrow wrinkled just picturing him in them. “Yeah, they fit him alright,” She said a hint of excitement in her voice.
Spanky laughed, hearing the tone in Ashley’s voice, “I can imagine. Richie’s a gorgeous man.”
They laughed as they both went into the bathroom. Ashley watched as Spanky explained to her how to apply the light copper colored eye shadow to her eyes. Then the black eyeliner, mascara, blush and lipstick.
“Now, just fix your hair, get dressed and you are done.” Spanky said as she stepped back from her, smiling at what she had done.
The eye shadow added new depths to her eyes, and the black eyeliner only deepened them more. She loved what she saw and smiled at her reflection. She blinked, but would he think so too?
“Watch how you bat those long eyelashes; some guys are suckers for that.” Spanky teased her.
Ashley nodded her head as she pulled the towel off her head. She picked up a comb to start combing out her long hair.
“OH! Before I forget.” Spanky said as she went back into the bedroom. She was gone for only a few seconds. When she came back, she had a bottle in her hands. “Here. Spray this on your hair, it’ll enhance those waves that are dying to be noticed. Then blow dry your hair on low.”
She handed her the bottle and then started to walk back out of the bathroom, “I need to go, I have to sew some stuff for Jon.”
“Thanks.” Ashley said as he hugged her.
Spanky hugged her back, “No problem. I can’t wait to see you now. I bet I won’t even recognize you.”
After Spanky left, Ashley sprayed the bottle of wave enhancer in her hair and did just as Spanky had instructed. She was amazed at the results. Her hair seemed to take on new life as it floated around her face, tumbled down her shoulders in a mane of tousled waves. Her eyes stood out dramatically, more so then she ever could imagine. The small amount of blush she applied to her cheekbones enhanced them significantly. She never realized she had high cheekbones. She looked at the image in the mirror was surprised to find not a girl but a woman staring back at her.
She was just about to start getting dressed when the phone rang. Wondering who’d be calling she walked over and answered it.
"Hello?" She asked.
"Hi honey, it’s Dad."
She rolled her eyes at his mention of the name Dad. "Hi Doc, what do you want?"
He was silent for a minute; obviously not caring for the fact that she still insisted on calling him Doc.
"I wanted to know if you are ready for dinner. I’ll come down to your room and get you."
“No, actually I’m not. I’ll skip dinner; however you can come get me before you leave for the show.”
“You are actually going tonight?”
“Yes I am ready for it, I believe.” She couldn’t help but giggle a bit as she said this.
“Okay. I’ll be up in an hour or so, is that enough time?”
“Should be, yes.”
She hung up the phone and smiled as she went to get dressed.
_______________________________________
“Who are you and what have you done with my daughter?” Doc asked as Ashley opened the door.
Ashley laughed as she stepped aside, letting him to her room.
“So, I take it you like it.” She asked as he walked past her.
Doc was surprised by her appearance but thought she did look nice. “Nice change. I guess you bought all of this today on your shopping trip?”
“Yes,” she answered as she picked up the black pure and put it over her shoulder.
“I didn’t know you were looking to change.”
Ashley shrugged her shoulders, “And neither did I. I’m ready to open my life a little.” She smiled.
“Open your life? I’m not sure I want to know what that means.” Doc said.
“Oh come on. I’m seventeen, I’m ready to live.” She said as she walked up beside him at the door.
“Ashley, you are scaring me.”
She rolled her eyes at him and opened the door, “Ready to go?”
Doc gave her a disapproving look and walked out the door. She smirked at him behind his back and turned to close the door behind her.
“The guys already left, it’s just me and you.” He said as they got to the elevator.
She was disappointed, but she knew she would she Richie once they got to the venue.
During the ride, Doc was on the car phone, taking care of some minor details. He couldn’t help but stare at his daughter. She was beautiful before and now, well now she didn’t look seventeen at all. He knew he’d have to keep an eye on her at the show, knowing she would be an easy target for the wrong guy.
“Wear this around your neck at all times.” He said as he handed her a laminated pass with a cord hook on it.
She looked at it and it read, Bon Jovi, Slippery When Wet Tour, Access All Areas. The picture of the large breasted woman made her stomach do a flip, but she did as he asked and put it over her head, letting it fall around her neck.
The limo pulled up backstage and stopped. The driver came around and opened the door. Doc got out and then helped Ashley out of the door. She followed him to the door and the guard let them in. She stayed close behind him as he walked through the backstage area. Men were running around, pushing crates, and rolling wires. Some smiled at her as she walked by. She bit her tongue as a reminder to act cool. She smiled back, but not looking directly at any of them.
They came to the back of the stage and then rounded the corner. She looked up as the lights were shinning down and saw Richie first, standing holding his guitar. As she and Doc came around to the front of the stage, she saw the rest of the band. She had to turn her back as they walked to the first row of chairs on the side. She didn’t see Richie looking down at her, but when she turned around, their eyes met and she felt like someone and sucked the breath out of her. His stare was intense. She smiled at him and then looked away to Jon who waived at her.
“Wait here, I need to go find Obie.” Doc said to her.
She took a seat and watched as Doc walked down between the stage and the barrier to the other side. Just as she was about to focus back up at the stage the music started. The lights turned down and a spotlight fell on Jon as he stood, eyes closed center of the stage. As the music began playing she cocked her head to one side and watched for the first time the group her father managed.
Eyes still closed Jon began, "She wasn’t young but still a child…there was still innocence in faded smiles…"
As he sang on she realized that he was singing about a prostitute. At first she didn’t understand why someone would sing about that but as he opened his eyes and sang the chorus she realized this song was so much more; it was a song about life.
When he got to the end and sang, "I see my life some things I took for granted…Love’s passed me by so many second chances …I was afraid but I won’t be afraid anymore," she nodded. The song spoke to her; it told her to take the chance and not be afraid of life.
Doc and Obie made it back just as sound check was done. Ashley followed Doc backstage once again and into a room with a bunch of cases, clothes racks, chairs and couches. Spanky was sitting at a table, with a jacket spread out before her. Ashley walked over and joined her.
“Well, look at you.” Spanky said as she looked up at Ashley.
Doc laughed from across the room, “Yeah, something about living her life. I guess I’m in store for teenage hell now.”
Ashley shot him a look and then spun around with she heard Richie’s comment. “That’s where all the fun begins.” He said, teasing Doc.
He smiled at her as he walked by, his eyes gave her his approval of her outfit and she wanted to melt. She had added a black top underneath the jacket.
Richie went to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of beer, popped the top off and took a long drink.
“As long as she don’t give me a hard time, I’ll be fine. I hope anyway.” Doc said as he winked at her.
Spanky laughed, “I don’t see what the big deal is. She just changed her wardrobe a little bit. There’s no harm in it.”
Doc ignored Spanky’s comment and said nothing else about it. Soon the rest of the band was inside the dressing room when Doc asked Ashley if she wanted to catch Cinderella on stage.
“The guys need to get dressed, so you can sit in the stage wing; no one will bother you there.”
“Sure,” she said and followed Doc out of the room.
He led her to the stage and then up the steps to a dark area hidden with black curtains making it and whomever was up there invisible to anyone else.
“Make yourself comfortable, the show will last for about 45 minutes or so. Enjoy yourself. I’ll be back to get you.”
“You don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine. Stop treating me like a child.”
Doc frowned, “Okay, I’m sorry.
She said nothing as she turned her back to him. Doc left and went to doing his business.
Ashley hadn’t been there long before the concert started. She didn’t know that Richie had snuck up behind her and when he put his hand on her shoulder she jumped as she turned around.
He smiled as he bent down to put his lips to her ear, “Care for some company?”
His warm breath at her ear sent shivers down her spine. Her eyes closed for a brief moment as she caught her breath. She smiled at him and he took that as a yes so he stood beside her. She was interested in seeing Cinderella but the man beside her, suddenly diminished all of that interest. She wanted to do nothing but look at him. He was just breathtaking to her in his leather pants, long black shirt, and black cowboy hat.
She became nervous, as she tried to think of something to say or do. She looked down at his hand and saw he was holding a bottle of beer. For reasons unknown to her, she reached down and took the bottle out of his hand, taking a big drink from it. As the liquid flowed into her mouth, she thought she was about to spit it out. It was bitter and not at all to her liking; her face twisted into one of disgust as she fought to swallow it all.
Richie chuckled as he took the beer back from her. "I’ll be right back." He said into her ear so she could hear him over the loud music.
She watched him disappear and wondered where he was going. She eagerly anticipated for him to return, nervously taping her foot to the music that was below her. She scolded herself for doing such an idiotic thing, knowing Richie must have thought she was crazy. Then he stood beside her again. He handed her a plastic cup. "You might like this better."
She took the red cup from his hand and lifted it to her lips, she could smell the liquor. She cautiously sipped from the cup and found the sweet taste of the drink more to her liking. She nodded her approval and then stood up to her tip toes to ask him what it was. “It’s good, what is it?" She asked into his ear.
He smiled and bent down to her ear once again, “A slow comfortable screw.”
The name of the drink caught her off guard and she smiled as the excitement began to build inside her. As he was moving away from her, she pulled him back.
“What did you say?”
He laughed wrapping his arm around her waist and drawing her body to his, it caught her off guard. Her heart started to race when she smelled his cologne causing her stomach to have a funny nervous feeling in it. She closed her eyes as she felt his warm breath once again at her ear. “A slow comfortable screw. Sloe Gin, Southern Comfort, Orange Juice and Vodka.” He explained.
When he moved away from her, she could feel her cheeks burning. She looked back at the stage unable to look him in the face after the way he made her feel inside. Richie smiled seeing her reaction and removed his arm from around her waist. He stayed close to her, letting his arm rest against hers. So she was bluffing. Richie laughed to himself.
Ashley tried to concentrate on the show again, but her head was spinning. She turned to Richie, as he looked down at the stage. Again, she stood up on her toes to speak in his ear. “What was the name of the song you did at sound check?”
Richie moved his lips back to her ear again, “Without Love.”
Ashley nodded her head and took a sip from her cup. After she swallowed it, she said, “I really liked it.”
As she pulled away from him, she looked up into his eyes; his lips were inches from hers. She had to catch her breath as Richie smiled showing the perfect dimples she loved. She smiled a little nervously, that funny feeling was back in her stomach and now even her knees felt weak.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Richie asked.
"So far," She grinned.
Richie laughed as she took another drink from her cup, "See, ya should have joined us the first night when Jon asked you to."
"Well, I don’t know if I’ll enjoy the next act; I hear they think they’re pretty hot." She teased.
He put his hand on her shoulder and leaned down close to her ear once again. "Some of them are."
She laughed, pulling away from him and taking another drink from her cup. The drink was now helping her relax.
Richie leaned over to her again. “You might want to slow down since this is your first time.”
Ashley titled her head back and laughed at his comment. He loved the way her eyes lit up when she looked at him. The sheer delight on her face along with the body she was showing off tonight stirred something inside him. He decided he had to have her; he wanted to be the one to teach her the many things she still had to learn.
“What are you two doing?” Doc said as he came up behind them, laying his arm around both of their necks.
Ashley felt her face flush, knowing Doc had to see what was going on. She moved the cup down to her side as she looked at Richie, who didn’t seem phased that Doc had just caught them. But they weren’t doing anything wrong, were they?
“I came up to keep Ashley company,” Richie said to Doc as he winked at her.
He saw her hiding the drink down by her side and knew Doc would have to smell it on her breath. He thought quick of something to say if Doc noticed it. Ashley now moved it around to hide behind her back and she smiled and shook her head at what Richie had said.
Doc laughed, “Well I’m glad you are being so nice Rich. I need helping watching out for her.”
Richie nodded his head and he smiled at Doc. He saw Ashley look away and couldn’t help but laugh inside. ‘Oh if you only knew.’
Doc smiled at Ashley, “Richie’s a good guy. You can trust him.”
Ashley smiled, moving her eyes away and back down at the stage watching Tom perform. She was trying to avoid any conversation with Doc, so he wouldn’t know she had been drinking. She saw out of the corner of her eye, Richie and him continuing to talk and finally, Doc turned to her and smiled, “You having a good time?”
She smiled nodding her head.
Doc smiled, “Well, since you are in such good hands, I will leave you alone.” He said.
He turned to Richie and said something she couldn’t hear and then left. She carefully brought the drink back around to the front and held it close to her. When she turned to make sure he was gone, Richie was smiling at her. She started laughing as she playfully pushed him on the arm. He laughed and moved closer to her.
“See you are in good hands,” He said into her ear.
She rolled her eyes and laughed. She took a big drink from the cup deciding she need to finish it so she wouldn’t get caught having it.
She finished just as Tom started his guitar solo. She was watching him when Richie leaned over to her. "Man, Tom amazes me; he is one damned talented musician."
Of course, she had no reference to compare him to, but he did seem to know what he was doing.
“Hey, I need to get going,” Richie said to her. “They are almost done and I have to change shirts.’
Ashley nodded her head and grabbed his arm. “Don’t change the shirt.” She said as she leaned up against him, pressing closer then she realized she would.
“Why not?” He asked not offering to move away from her.
“I like the shirt,” she said as she was unable to stop her eyes from lowering to his chest.
Richie grinned and nodded his head. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Again, she blushed. She smiled then he surprised her when he kissed her temple, “I’ll see you later.”
She nodded her head and smiled, watching him disappear into the darkness behind her. She took a deep breath and turned back to watch the remainder of the Cinderella set. She had a smile a mile wide on her face and couldn’t help it. She had a crush on a man that was gorgeous and seemed to be interested in her. She knew he was a few years older then her, but really what would boy her age have to offer her? Richie was just what she needed, she decided.
When Cinderella exited the stage and the lights came back up, Ashley moved back from the view of the stage and started down the steps. She saw Tom and the rest of the band below her and Doc saw her coming down.
“Aren’t you going to stay up there and watch Jon and the guys?” He asked as she got down to the bottom step.
She saw a trash can near, so she hurried over and threw the cup away. She turned back to Doc and kept her distance as she spoke to him.
“No, I want to watch them from the front. Is that okay?” She asked slightly annoyed with him again.
“Sure. Why don’t you sit back at the soundboard with Obie?”
“No, I don’t want to sit at the soundboard with Obie. I want to stand near the front.” She said firmly.
Doc raised his eyebrow and wondered why she insisted on being near the front.
“Fine. Let’s see what we can find.” He said as he turned to leave.
She followed him as they came out to the floor, around the left side of the stage. She was staring face to face with a crowd of people on the other side of the barrier.
Doc stopped and turned around to her. “You sure you want to hang here? The sound board will have a better view.”
“What’s wrong with standing here? I can see the whole stage from here.” She protested. She was right down front between the stage and the barrier to the left of the stage.
Doc laughed, “Have fun.” He said to her.
Just before he went through the gate he said something to the guard there and pointed to her. Ashley rolled her eyes, knowing he told him to keep an eye on her. That was getting old real quick.
Thirty minutes later, the lights went out and the crowd let loose, screaming and holding their lighters in the air. The music started and when the guys came out on stage, the crowd went wild. She was impressed not only with the entire band, but Richie. Seeing him on stage only made her like him even more. He snuck her a few glances, flashing his gorgeous smile, but stayed focused on the concert.
She found standing still was impossible when the music moved her so much but when she tried dancing in place her movements were just a little clumsy. She couldn’t figure out why usually she was very graceful. Lightheaded, she wished for a place to sit down, hardly able to keep from swaying just a bit. Finally she just leaned against the gate and it helped keep her focused on the stage.
Not even realizing she was doing it, she watched the rest of the concert with her lips slightly parted. Once or twice when Richie looked down at her he couldn’t help but think just how sexy she looked standing there looking up an innocent sexy smile on her face.. ‘And she doesn’t even know it,’ he thought to himself.
As Bon Jovi took their final bow the security guard Doc had talked to earlier appeared at Ashley’s elbow.
"Come with me Miss," He told her.
She followed thinking that she’d be led backstage, she was disappointed however when she was taken to a waiting Limo and Doc.
"Get in," he told her.
“Why are we leaving so soon?” She asked him.
“There’s a party back at the hotel tonight.”
“Oh,” she said, excitement filling her voice.
“A party in which you don’t need to be at,” Doc clarified.
Ashley frowned. “Doc,” she said. “I’m not a child.”
Doc shook his head. “My name is dad to you and yes, you still are a child.”
Ashley sighed and leaned her head back against the leather seat. “Why can’t I just go for a little while? I won’t get into any trouble.”
Doc shook his head. “You are not old enough, Ashley. These parties tend to get wild at times.”
She still wasn’t taking no for an answer. “An hour. I promise I’ll be gone in an hour.”
Doc shook his head. He didn’t want her anywhere near the party, but she really wanted to go. They stared at each other as he contemplated how to make her understand.
“Ashley,” Doc began.
“Doc,” Ashley said now irritated. She had to see Richie again tonight and Doc wasn’t going to stand in her way. “I promise that you can trust me. I wanted to tell the guys how much I enjoyed their show and then I’ll leave, okay?”
Doc shook his head. “Fine.” He shook his finger at her. “One hour and then you’re gone!”
She smiled, “Yes sir.”
When they got back to the hotel Doc led the way into the bar where the members of Cinderella were all waiting. Ashley looked around a bit uncomfortable with the women she saw accompanying them. The way they were dressed and the make-up they wore made her wonder just what kind of women they were. She also wondered at the ratio; there were certainly more women then men. A half hour later she was even more uncomfortable when Tico, Dave and Alec walked in with their own bevy of beauties. Jon followed a little while later with a couple of girls hanging on him. She worried about Richie but was happy to see him come in alone. He looked over to where she stood and gave her a little wave. He said a few words to Jon then walked off and got a drink from the bar.
Ashley was getting more and more nervous so when she looked and saw Alec had set his drink down and no one was paying any attention she grabbed it and snuck off to the bathroom. She locked herself in a stall and drank it down without stopping. She walked out of the stall and, not wanting to take the chance of anyone spotting her with it, threw the glass in the garbage. She checked her hair and makeup in the mirror then took a deep breath and returned to the room.
"Come on you guys this isn’t funny. Who the fuck took my drink?" Alec was asking as she entered the bar once again.
"You know you have had way too many when you don’t even remember drinking them," Dave laughed.
"Yeah well, if I drank the damned thing where the fuck did I leave my glass?" Alec retorted. He turned to the women with him and asked if they drank it and when they both denied ever touching it he scratched his head and continued to look puzzled.
Ashley was afraid if they kept up their conversation she was going to get caught. She tried to stay out of the way, hoping no one would notice her. Richie stood at the bar drinking and talking to Eric Brittingham. He glanced over and saw the redness creep into Ashley’s cheeks, immediately he knew what had happened to the drink. He ordered a new one and a coke. He took the drink to Alec.
"Here ya go old man; have one on me before senility sets in completely and you not only forget finishing off your drink; you forget who I am."
Alec laughed as he took the drink, "you’re so fuckin funny Sambora."
Richie giggled and walked over to where Ashley stood. He handed her the coke.
"Was it good?" He asked.
She looked at him with big eyes. "Was what good?" She asked as innocently as she possibly could.
He laughed thinking of the times when he was a kid and tried to hide the fact that he’d been drinking from his mom and dad. He looked around the room to see if anyone was paying attention then leaned close and talked low so only the two of them would hear.
"If you’re gonna drink you really need to chew gum or get some mints. It helps cover the alcohol smell."
She blushed, knowing he’d caught her.
"Don’t worry Darlin, I ain’t telling anyone. Just be careful."
She nodded and gave him a hesitant smile just before Doc came wandering over.
"Richie, I see you’re taking care of my little girl again," Doc said as he slapped him on the back. "I’m surprised you don’t have anyone else to keep you occupied."
Ashley flinched when Doc called her a little girl the last thing she wanted Richie to think of her as was a little girl. She flashed angry eyes at Doc and stormed out of the room.
"Her hours up anyway.” Doc staid as he stared after her retreating back. He then turned and walked away from Richie.
Wondering what Doc’s comment meant, Richie turned and walked out of the room in the direction Ashley had taken. He found her out sitting by the pool’s edge dangling her feet in the water, her boots sitting beside her. He lit a cigarette and sat quietly down beside her.
Neither one of them spoke as she looked down into the water; moving her feet back and forth. Richie waited for her to speak what was on her mind. He could tell she was mad.
"He makes me so mad," she seethed as she kicked the water harder.
She glanced up and saw that Richie was waiting for more.
"He was never in my life and now he wants to play the doting Daddy. One minute he wants me to lighten up and the next he calls me a little girl. I’m not a little girl!" She stated angrily as she straightened her shoulders and pushed out her chest.
As if to prove her statement she reached down into his shirt pocket and took out his pack of cigarettes. She took one out and held it to her lips.
"Got a light?"
He looked off across the water as he pulled his lighter from his pocket. Ashley leaned over and inhaled deeply as she held the cigarette to the flame. She started coughing; choking on the smoke as it entered her lungs for the first time.
"Take it easy," he cautioned in a soft low voice. "Try inhaling less."
She did as he said and this time she didn’t cough at all.
"Better?" He asked.
She nodded and turned her big brown eyes to him. "I could use another drink if you would go get me one."
He scratched his head; not at all sure if this was the right thing to do. Shrugging his shoulders he got to his feet. "What do you want?"
"A slow comfortable screw," she said without hesitation as she blew some smoke in his direction.
He laughed a little thinking he’d like to honor that request in more ways than one as he walked back inside. At the bar he ordered her drink. He didn’t notice Jon standing next to him until he spoke.
"Since when do you drink those things?" He asked.
"It’s not for me." He answered as he asked the bartender to also add a beer to his order.
Jon laughed and slapped him on the back. "I knew you wouldn’t stay alone for long. Where is she?"
"Why you think I plan on sharing? No way pal; never did before and I don’t plan on starting now." Richie laughed as he grabbed his drinks and walked out of the bar.
By the time he got back outside Ashley had finished her cigarette and was leaning back on her hands looking up at the stars; her feet still hanging in the water. She looked over at his approach letting her eyes travel slowly up his body. Starting at his feet she worked her way up to see the dimples in his smiling face.
He carefully lowered himself down to the concrete surrounding the pool. He sat her requested drink down by her side and then looked down at her. She was looking up at him with wondering eyes.
“Do you feel better?” He asked her.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she shook her head no. Richie took a drink from his bottle as she sat up and took a drink from the glass he had brought her.
“You know, he’s just looking out for you,” He said.
“Well, he shouldn’t. He never cared before, so why should he start now?” Ashley rolled her eyes and took another drink. “He thinks he can just start being a father to me. He doesn’t realize that he can’t make up for lost time.”
Richie didn’t know much about her and Doc’s relationship. He along and the rest the guys were all surprised to find out he had a seventeen year old daughter that he never mentioned before. He had no idea who her mother was and wondered if she and Ashley had the same relationship.
She looked over at Richie and smiled, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be talking to you about this.”
Richie shook his head and looked into her eyes as he spoke softly, “I don’t mind. Everyone needs someone they can talk to.”
Ashley frowned and looked away from him; back down into the water of the pool. She started moving her feet around slowly.
“Did I say something wrong?” He asked, confused by the look she had just gave him.
She shook her head no, still continuing to look in the water.
He gently placed one hand on her shoulder, causing her to turn and look at him.
“You can talk to me,” He said as their eyes met.
Ashley smiled, “Thanks.”
Richie took his hand away from her shoulder and grinned, “Your welcome.”
They both took drinks from the beverages, Ashley finishing hers off. She sat the glass down and giggled as she turned her eyes and looked at him.
Richie had a split second urge to kiss her. Oh how he wanted to kiss her, and taste her sweet lips. He knew that wasn’t a smart thing to do there at the pool and thinking more he wasn’t sure if he was really ready to or not. But, she enticed him. He knew he had to be careful, knowing she had no experience with a man before. He shook his head at that thought. Hard to believe, but it appeared to be true.
“Thanks for getting me the drink.” She said, her words slowly coming together.
Richie laughed, “Are you okay?” He asked as he looked at her closely.
She smiled, leaning in closer to him and staring into his eyes.
“I’ve never felt better,” she whispered.
The corners of Richie’s mouth turned into a grin as she batted her eyelashes at him.
She moved away from him and brought her feet out of the water. “You need to go back to your party in there,” She said as she got up with her boots in one hand.
Richie frowned to himself; he wasn’t ready for her to go yet. “Don’t leave.” He said as he got up.
She turned to him and shook her head as she openly eyed him up and down. “I promised Doc I would only be here an hour and from the looks of things, there’s good reason why I should keep my promise.”
“Well, I’ll join you,” he said.
Ashley laughed and waived her hand at him. “I need to go to bed.” She said and swayed just a bit.”
He reached out to steady her. “Let me help you then,” he said putting his arm around her waist as they started towards the back gate. He didn’t need anyone seeing her this way, with him none the less.
She rested her head over against his shoulder and laughed, “You aren’t coming to bed with me, I hope you know.”
Richie smiled as that thought had just entered his mind, “I’m just going to help you get to your room.”
“Okaaaayyy,” she giggled once again.
Richie got to the gate and stopped, leaning her against the concrete wall and guzzled his beer down. He threw it in the bushes and then looked back at her.
“You shouldn’t drink so much; you’ll end up like me,” she giggled.
Richie couldn’t help but smile at her, she looked so cute. She had closed her eyes and her lips had parted slightly. He didn’t know how he was going to keep his hands off her, especially with her in the state she was in. She would be too easy right now. He shook his head, and reached for her, bringing her to him as he put his arm around her waist again to steady her, once again. With the other hand he opened the gate and they walked through. Just as he closed it behind him, he heard Jon’s laugh from the other side of the pool. He quickly walked away from the gate, going down the walkway to the doors just around the corner.
He opened the door with one hand and ushered her inside. The elevator door was open, so they walked on in. Richie pushed the floor number with his free hand, the other still around Ashley’s waist. She was standing beside him, but she quickly put her arms around his waist, her boots still in her hands. She moved around in front of him, burying her face against his chest.
“You smell so good,” she mumbled.
“Thanks darlin,” he laughed.
Ashley sighed as her body started to slide down his.
“Whoa, where ya going?” He laughed as he grabbed her and pulled her back up to him.
She giggled, “You called me darlin.”
Richie laughed, “You like that?” He asked as the elevator doors opened.
She looked up at him, her eyes half closed, “No one’s ever called me that before. I like it.” She sighed and rested her head once again at his chest.
Richie laughed, “This is our floor,” he said as he moved to grab the doors that were about to close.
She mumbled something unrecognizable as they started out the doors and down the hall to her room. Stopping at her door, Richie leaned her against the wall, hoping no one would walk by them at this point.
“Where’s your key?” He asked quickly.
“My key?” She asked and laughed, “Oh yeah.” She thought for a moment, “It’s in my pocket, right here,” She said as she tried to get it out of the front left pocket on her skirt.
Seeing she was having trouble and time was wasting, Richie removed her hand and sank is own in to her pocket. She lifted her eyes up at him and she was unable to say anything, his hand sank lower inside the pocket on her skirt. His fingers came to rest inside her upper thigh, he watched as she closed her eyes with a soft sigh when his fingers started to move around to find the key. His deep brown eyes were soft as he looked down at her. She opened her eyes and smiled seeing his lips curled slightly at the corners while he slowly extracted her key.
“Looks like I found it,” he said softly.
“Mmmm hmm,” She sighed.
Richie’s eyes danced as he realized he found more then just the key to her room inside her pocket. He moved away from her, inserting the key into the keyhole and unlocking her door. He heard the elevator doors open, laughter from Dave and Alec spilling out into the hallway. He quickly grabbed Ashley, picking her up and practically running inside her room, closing the door as quick as he could.
She laughed as he sat her down. When she opened her eyes, it was till dark as he fumbled for the light switch. She could see him just barely in the dark and as she reached out for him, the light came on.
She smiled at him when he helped her to the bed. “You really don’t have to do all of this. I think I can manage,” she said slowly.
Richie carefully sat her down on the bed and then stood over her. “You can barely hold yourself up,” He teased.
He pulled back the covers on the bed and then gently laid her back on the bed. In doing so, he couldn’t help but notice the look in her eyes when she smiled up at him. He blocked out the thoughts of taking advantage of her and leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead.
Ashley wanted more then just a kiss on the forehead. She stuck out her lower lip as he pulled away from her.
“Good night,” He said softly.
She frowned as he walked towards the door. “I don’t want you to go.”
He stopped in mid walk. She noticed that his shoulders seemed to have tensed up and that made her nervous, that she had now said the wrong thing. He turned around slowly and stared down at her on the bed. She smiled and he felt himself weaken.
“Stay until I fall asleep.” Was her request and Richie didn’t know if that was one he could fill.
“Ashley, you know that’s…”
“Richie,” she laughed causing him to stop before he finished what he was going to say. He chuckled at her and then for reasons unknown to him, he went to her on the bed.
She patted the bed with her hand just barely. “Sit here.”
She may have been 17, but she sure as hell wasn’t acting like it was all Richie could think about when he did as she asked again.
“It’s not good for me to be on your bed with you drunk,” he said.
Again she laughed. She sat up, leaning back on her arms a seductive, but still innocent smile fixed on her lips. “No one knows that you are here. Besides what I am I going to do?” She eyed him down to his waist and then back up. “You know what?”
He shook his head, “No, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”
She giggled. “I think it is a bad idea for you to be here.”
He raised his eyebrows as his head nodded. “Just go to sleep.”
She pouted. This wasn’t working out like she wanted. She wanted him to kiss her…NOW! She leaned up supporting herself with one hand and leaned into him. She stared boldly in his eyes. “How about a goodnight kiss?”
The smile on his face kept the slight laugh from escaping. He couldn’t believe he was here and she was there waning a goodnight kiss. Of all the places in the world he had to find himself here, alone with her.
“Please? I’ll sleep better.”
He was still unsure if he was doing the right thing when he went to kiss her cheek. Ashley surprised him by moving her head and instead he kissed her lips. When she felt his tongue at her lips, she felt a wave of excitement wash over her. She knew to open her mouth and in doing so her tongue slid around his. Her first kiss and she seemed to know exactly what she was doing.
As the kiss deepened, his hand ran up into her hair and he pressed her as close to his body as possible. He moved his other hand to her leg that was positioned between them. He slowly moved it out of his way, stretching it out along side him. Now one hand held the back of her head, the other cupped her chin. He kissed her passionately and she got caught up in the passion, never noticing he was slowly easing her back onto the bed. It wasn’t until she felt his hardness pressed tightly against her thigh that she realized he was partially on top of her. Still he was kissing her and she couldn’t get enough of him. He moved to lie down on top of her and she allowed him by parting her legs. He ran his hand up inside her skirt to grab her backside with his hand and brought her hips up to meet his. The skirt she had on came up and she gasped at the feel of him at the base of her thighs. She became wet with a desire she had never known before. The feelings that were running throughout her body made her whole body ache for him. He continued with this movement until she moved on her own.
"That's it baby," he whispered.
She moaned, her head drifted back and he gently sucked on her neck as he removed his hand from under her. She found it hard to keep from moaning, her face got hot and his lips were on hers again. She felt a throbbing between her legs and noticed she had become wetter then she was before. Suddenly she felt a wave move inside her and she tensed up her hands clenching his arms as she didn’t know what was happening to her.
“Relax,” he whispered to her. “Let it go.”
When she relaxed her body the feeling intensified and she moaned again. Richie kissed her neck, gently sucking on her warm skin, her breathing became fast. He pulled up wanting to see her face, her eyes were closed and her lips were parted, she looked to be in sheer delight. He moved off of her and she rolled towards him, her hand traveling up his thigh. He tried to stop her, but he couldn’t. She unzipped his pants and ran her hand inside, grasping him firmly.
Somehow his pants came down around his hips and his hand was on top of hers, he started thrusting into her hand. He took her face in his other hand and forced his tongue into her mouth, wilding flicking it against hers. He moaned feeling he was close to the edge and then stopped as he let go of himself. He slowed down the pace of the kiss and sighed.
She leaned away from him and reached for the closet thing to her and that was one of her shirts on the floor. She turned back to him, he took her shirt and found a clean spot and wiped himself off. Ashley laid down on the bed, pulling her skirt back down around her. She was still in awe of what it felt like to do that with a man when he turned to her. He smiled sheepishly, finding that he didn’t know what to say to her.
“Now, I should be able to sleep peacefully,” she said innocently as her eyes closed.
Richie laughed, and bent over kissing her on the lips. When she didn’t move he knew she was out like a light. He sighed, getting up off the bed. He turned off the lights, opened the door and made sure no one was looking when he made a mad dash from her room to his, not forgetting to lock the door behind him.
Half way to his room, guilt had set in and he felt like he had taken advantage of her.
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