FIFTY-SEVEN

Cate stared at Jon for a long moment, her eyes glittering.  Then a faltering smile curved her mouth.

"Yes.  Of course.  We're okay... why wouldn't we be?"

Jon silently cursed himself for letting her turn the question back to him after giving her cursory answer.  It was a classic interrogation tactic, one she had taught him.  And one she used too well.  He took a breath before answering honestly but cautiously.

"I don't know.  It's just... I guess things aren't like they used to be."  He rubbed his free hand over her thigh that rested across his lap.

Cate blinked and looked down at Jon's hand.  Her gaze settled on his wedding band and again her heart squeezed guiltily.

"No, they're not," she agreed quietly.  "But Jon... we can't expect them to be.  We're not the same people we were when we met.  Of course we've changed."  Her lips curved again, this time her smile more confident.  "We've grown.  Together.  That's what happens in a marriage.  In a good one, anyway."

Cate watched Jon's hand pause, then lift from her leg.  She felt his finger curl under her chin, lifting her head to guide her gaze back to his handsome, earnest face.

"It is a good one, isn't it?"  Need tinged his quiet question.

Cate's expression softened.  She looked deep into the azure pools and saw they were clouded with worry. 

"Yes, Baby.  We're fine." 

Jon's finger slipped from beneath her chin to trace across her jaw.  "I just... I worry."  Jon's voice was soft and husky.  "About you.  All you've dealt with for over a year now... I know you say you're okay but I can see how hard you take things.  I understand, Baby, that it's not easy for you... for us... to get in the mood sometimes..."  

"Jon, we talked about this."  Cate cut him off before her emotions had a chance to rise.  She could feel them stirring in the pit of her stomach.  "We said we were leaving all that baggage at home.  This is supposed to be a vacation from all the... that stuff.  For both of us."

"I know, but..." Jon gave her a long look.  "But if we need to talk, Cate... let's talk.  Let's not avoid something just because we're on a trip."

"Jon..." Cate reached up to lay a gentle hand over his heart.  "I swear to you.  I'm okay.  We're okay."

"You sure?"

"Yes, Baby.  I'm sure."  Cate gazed back at her husband for a long moment before leaning to brush a tender, reassuring kiss across his mouth.   "And I'm sorry... really... about this."  Her hand dropped to Jon's lap and she gently patted his thigh, avoiding the source of his disappointment.

Jon gave her a wan smile.  "Cate, I told you.  It doesn't matter.  If it was anybody's fault it was mine.  I'm the one who started the kissin'."

Cate couldn't stop a tiny smirk of agreement.  "Well...yeah.  You did."

Jon arched a brow at her concurrence.  His smile turned smug.  "Hey, I felt your knees buckle back there, by the ice machine.  Admit it.  I still got it."

She chuckled huskily and nodded, her hair slipping over her shoulders with the movement.  "Yeah, Baby.  You do."  Her hand slid upward over his belly and chest until her fingertips curled into the soft nest of silvery hair revealed by his t-shirt's v-neck.

Jon's expression sobered again.  He looked deep into Cate's sapphire eyes as his observation slipped from his lips.  He wasn't sure he should bring it up, but he couldn't help himself.  "But things have been a little... strained... lately, huh?  In the bedroom?" 

She couldn't hold his gaze.  Again Cate looked down at her hand as she toyed with the silver charms on Jon's chain.  Her fingertips traced over the tag engraved with her name as she struggled with her answer.  There was no avoiding or misdirecting this question.

She sighed and nodded with her admission.  "Yeah, they have.  But not because of you.  It's me."

Jon's brow creased.  He hadn't meant to guilt her.

"Cate, it's not just you.  Listen... it's been hard for me too."  Jon's voice was soft and apologetic, though he smiled at his unintentional pun.  "After all the dates with Doris and her plastic specimen cups..."

"I know, Jon.  I don't blame you."

He sat silent, waiting for her to continue.  But she didn't.  She just kept toying with his necklace, her eyes on her fingers. 

He sighed again.

"Okay, look.  We promised each other not to talk about.... that... on this vacation.  So we're not gonna."  Jon's firm tone made Cate look up.  Her mildly-surprised expression made him smile.  "But what we are gonna do is take some time out for ourselves.  For romance."  

Cate's nose wrinkled as she gave him a skeptical look.  "As nice as that sounds, Baby... this vacation is for the boys.  For you to spend time with them, not me."

"No, it's just as much for us," he argued. "Baby, we owe it to ourselves.  A change of pace and scenery, to rekindle the flames.  Besides, I've seen more of Jake and Romeo lately than I have of you."

Cate shook her head though she knew he was right.  "Jon, wasn't the whole reason we changed plans and came to Florida instead of Saint Barth because you wanted to do something the boys would like?  Instead of just hanging around on the beach with us?"

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I want to spend all of my time and attention on them."  Jon's reply was only mildly sarcastic.  "Hell, it's only been two days and already they're makin' me crazy.  God love 'em, but if I don't get at least a little break from those two every couple days this fun family vacation could take a really ugly turn."

The look of earnest half-panic in Jon's widened blue eyes made Cate snort out a soft chortle.  She understood completely where he was coming from, but was a little surprised to hear him admit it so early in the trip. 

"Okay, Jon.  I've got your back.  When you need a break just let me know and I'll take the boys to the pool or out for ice cream or something."  Cate smiled at her husband.  "Give you a little peace and let you find your sanity."

"That's not what I mean, Cate.  I mean I'm gonna want time away from them with you."  Jon's answer was serious.  "Private time for grown-ups.  God knows we're both gonna need it after all the kid stuff we're gonna be bombarded with at Disney." He shook his head.  "For fuck's sake, I can only take so many Mickey Mouses."

Cate giggled.  "Wouldn't that be 'Mickey Mice'?"

"Whatever.  Maybe."  Jon gave her a skeptical look.  "But that sounds kinda stupid."

"Yeah, maybe it is 'Mouses'," Cate agreed, her voice gentling.  "But whatever it is... we can't just leave the boys alone, you know.  I can't do it.  It worries me sick.  Hell, you know how many times I've checked the door to this room, and we're sitting right outside it?"

 "I know, I know.  And yes, I noticed." Jon's shoulders dropped as he let out another exaggerated sigh.  "But Cate, Disney has those babysitting services and kids' clubs and things.  We could drop the Chuckleheads off there, bolt out for a nice dinner or a romantic walk or something, then go back and pick 'em up before they wear out their welcome."

Again Cate's nose crinkled skeptically.  "I don't know, Jon.  They'd still be with strangers..."

"Okay, fine."  Seeing he wasn't going to convince her tonight, Jon interrupted her rebuttal.  "We'll worry about the logistics later.  Until then..."  He dropped his chin and gave Cate an earnest look.  "Remember our agreement?  That we're gonna put all the sad and scary and stressful stuff aside for awhile?  Just focus on enjoying each other, and our family?"  The corners of his mouth curled convincingly.

Cate nodded slowly.  She and Jon had made a pact before leaving home; she would try her best to honor it.

"Yes, Dear.  I remember."

"Good.  So try not to freak out when I do something sweet and romantic for you, 'kay?"  Jon again dropped his hand to her thigh and rubbed gently.  " 'Cause it's gonna happen. I swear."

She chuckled throatily and lowered her hand to curve over his.  "Okay."

"You've been warned."

"Yes."

"Annnnd...."  Jon paused and turned his head, pressing a kiss against her temple before murmuring against her hair.  "I know you're gonna have to check in with work, and work is gonna call you.  But will you try not to make it every day?"

"Jon, I have to be available.  Gus is a smart guy, but he's still learning..."  Cate stopped, realizing she had automatically gotten defensive in response to Jon's simple plea.  She took a breath, then nodded.  "Okay.  I'll minimize as much as I can."

"Good.  And if they have some emergency... you're on vacation.  Unless there's a big-ass spaceship full of hostile aliens hovering over the White House I seriously doubt there's anything Al and your colleagues can't handle without you."  Jon chuckled despite his gentle scold.  "And if there IS a giant spaceship about to blow the White House to Hell, we're fucked anyway.  So you may as well stay here."

"Alien life forms wouldn't be our jurisdiction anyway."  Cate snorted softly, but smiled.

"And for my part... I promise I'll stay off the clock too.  All I'll do is check my email once a day, to be sure there's no Foundation stuff I have to address."  Jon nodded with his promise.

"Okay."  Cate tried not to roll her eyes.  She hoped Jon was almost through with this topic.  His continued attention to it was only making her feel more guilty.

"Alrighty then."  Jon again patted her thigh and nuzzled at her ear.  Cate giggled softly, then turned her face to his.  After another soft kiss she glanced toward the Navigator's windshield and the door beyond it.

"Jon, we've been gone longer than fifteen minutes."

"And yet the Chuckleheads haven't escaped."  Jon wrinkled his nose with his tease.

"Baby..."  She frowned.

"Cate, they're probably in the same exact position we left them, eyes glued to the T.V. screen."  Jon shook his head slightly as he smiled at her.  At the same time his heart warmed at her concern for his sons. 

"Still, we should go back in.  It's getting late."

Jon sighed.  "Okay.  You're probably right.  You do have to get up early."

Cate's brow furrowed at his last comment.  "I do?  We can probably take our time driving tomorrow.  I doubt we'll be able to check in before three or four."

"Yeah, but you gotta give Romey a couple hours to teach you how to play that Mario game in the arcade."  Jon chuckled and rubbed his nose against Cate's. 

"Aw, shit."  Cate's shoulders slumped.  "He's not gonna forget about that, is he?"

Jon grinned.  "Nope."

"Thanks a lot for getting me into that."  Her scold was gentle but weary.

"Welcome to parenthood, Baby."  Jon chuckled again before leaning in for one last kiss.  "Don't worry... you're a natural."  His reassurance was murmured against her lips.

She sighed.  "I hope so."

"Trust me."  Jon again patted Cate's thigh as he gave her a sweet smile. 

"Do I have a choice?"  Cate's arched brow told him she was teasing.

"Nope."  Jon lifted Cate's leg from his lap and reached for the door handle.  "Now come on, before they do try to make a break for it.  I don't want to have to explain why we're sitting in the car."

*****

"Karibu, Bongiovi Family.  We hope you enjoy your visit with us."

Though their greeter's Swahili-accented English was excellent, Cate could barely comprehend what he was saying.  She gaped in awe at their opulent surroundings.  Standing beside her, Jacob and Romeo were similarly wide-eyed.

"Thank you..." Jon's eyes dropped to the official shield on the host's uniform, then he smiled thankfully as he saw the name imprinted there.  It was one he could pronounce.  "...Kwasi.  I'm sure we will."

He held out his hand to the Disney employee, discretely passing a folded bill with a brief friendly shake.  Kwasi politely slid the tip into his pocket as he gave Jon a grateful tip of his head.

"Is there anything further you require, Sir?"

"No thank you.  I'm sure everything here is perfect."  Jon waved a hand, vaguely indicating their surroundings.

"I sincerely hope so.  Your drivers will be Peter and Kamaal; when you are ready to venture out simply ring the garage and one of them will bring your car.  Your driver will take you anywhere you wish on the Disney property or into downtown."

Jon nodded.  "And if I want to drive my own car?"

"Of course you may.  But may I suggest you trust our drivers to take you wherever you wish?"

Jon chuckled, understanding the implied message of Kwasi's polite caution:  "Parking will be a bitch and you'll never find your way back here." 

"Okay.  We will.  Thank you."

"Please let me know if I can make your stay more comfortable in any way."  Kwasi gave Jon another deferential nod.  "Now I will leave you to your quarters.  Habari ya jioni.  Good evening."

"Thank you.  Good evening."  Jon watched the young Kenyan man gracefully slip through the wide doorway, pulling the heavy double doors closed behind him.  His grin turned smug as Jon turned around to address his uncharacteristically quiet family.

"I know it's no Pedroland, but...." He stepped up behind Cate, giving her behind a little pat.  "It'll do, yeah?"

Jon chuckled when Cate turned to look at him, her sparkling blue eyes still wide.  "My God, Jon... it's... incredible!  I... I didn't even know someplace like this existed here!"

"Most people don't," Jon replied, chuckling with self-satisfaction.  Now that they had been together for several years Cate had finally gotten used to his affinity for luxury accommodations when he traveled.  But he was still occasionally able to surprise her.

"It's a VIP property, can only be booked through certain back-channels.  And you have to be pre-screened and pre-approved before you even get the phone number."

"Seriously?"  Cate's question was breathless.  She still couldn't get over the room in which they were standing. 

"Yep.  The CIA's got nothin' on Disney." 

Cate turned her gaze away from him, letting it sweep around the great room again.  "I've worked with Disney security plenty of times, when I was doing protective service.  But I never knew..."  She didn't finish the thought, her senses too overwhelmed.  It didn't matter anyway.

Jon chortled and stepped closer behind Cate, his hands settling on her hips as he moved his lips beside her ear.  "Romantic, huh?" he murmured.  "See?  Disney ain't just for kids."

He saw her lips part to answer, but when she just nodded he chuckled again.  Jon stepped to Cate's side, his arm slipping around her waist as he addressed the other members of their party.

"So?  Whaddya think?"

"It's HUGE!"  Romeo announced.  "Is this the restaurant?"

Jon laughed and reached to tousle his youngest boy's hair.  "No, you Goof.  This is where we're staying!  It's our room!"

"Our room has a lobby?"  Romeo turned his confused face to look at his father.

"Actually, it's a villa."  Jon corrected himself by way of explanation.  "Kinda like the place we stay in Saint Barth, ya know?   A little house?"

"We don't get to ride in a jeep when we go there."  Romeo's statement was matter-of-fact.

"Nope, we don't.  You're right."

"How many rooms are there?"  Jacob's question was also quietly awestruck.

"I'm not sure.  But I know there are a couple bedrooms.  You guys can each have your own if you want."  Jon gave Cate a sideways glance before stepping away from her and moving over to stand between his sons.  He gave each a gentle push in the center of the back.  "Go on, check it out.  Explore."

"Okay!"  Romeo was the first to move, dashing across the villa's domed atrium and into one of four hallways that radiated off the circular room like spokes of a wheel.  He quickly disappeared into an open doorway.

Jon looked again at Jake.  "Go ahead.  See what's what." 

" 'Kay."  Jacob grinned at his father before ambling across the room and down another hallway.  Though the boy's gait was casual Jon could tell Jacob was barely containing his excitement.

Jon stepped back over to Cate.  Again he slipped his arms around her waist.  When she looked up at him he grinned.  "Shall we try hallway number three?"

"In a minute."  Cate's answer was quiet.  She settled her arms across Jon's around her waist and leaned back into him.  "I just want to..."

"Take your time, Baby."  Jon chuckled softly and gave her a little squeeze. Resting his chin atop her head, Jon turned his gaze forward, for the first time really looking at their surroundings.  Jon and his family had stayed in VIP Disney properties before, but never this secluded villa in the Animal Kingdom resort.  He could already tell he had chosen wisely.

The villa's exterior had hinted at the opulence inside.  After checking in at the VIP desk the Bongiovi family had been delivered to the front door in a luxury-fitted jeep by a courtesy chauffeur, via a long, winding dirt trail illuminated by soft lighting concealed in the landscaping.  A valet had followed in the Navigator, following the jeep in a mini-caravan through the simulated savanna.  A newly-risen golden moon shone down on their trek, the night air crisp and humid as it swirled through the open-topped jeep.

After a several-mile drive past the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Village the mini-caravan had pulled under a wide,  wood beam-bolstered, covered tiled portico attached to a split-level structure.  Gas-fueled flames flickered in heavy hurricane lamps on either side of the enormous, ornate arched wooden double-door.  As they were helped out of the jeep the valet driver and a porter quickly unloaded the Bongiovi's bags from the Navigator and carried them into the villa through a side entrance.  Jon, Cate, and the boys were ushered in through the front door as if they were royalty.

As expected, the African-themed villa was decorated in warm, earthy tones accented with dark wood and stone.  The front entry opened into a circular atrium, with two steps descending from the landing to the atrium's vine-themed wood-inlay floor.  The room was warmly lit by a huge orb-like iron-and-glass chandelier suspended from a domed ceiling.  Between the arched hallway entries niches carved into the walls displayed African sculptures, prints, carvings, baskets, and candles.

The hallways leading from the atrium were short and wide, almost like small rooms themselves.  At the end of one Jon could see a large space containing a long dark-wood table and eight upholstered tall-backed chairs.  Sheer ivory curtains formed a backdrop for the dining space, covering what appeared to be a bank of windows.  Another hallway, bracketed by bookshelves on either wall, led to another set of ornately-carved double doors concealing what Jon presumed to be the master suite. 

The hallway Jacob had chosen contained a pair of life-size statues of Zulu warriors standing guard beside another arched doorway.  At the hall's end the moonlit sky was visible through a large curved picture window on the far wall of what appeared to be a luxuriously-appointed living room.  The flicker of flames in a stone fireplace was reflected in the window, the orange tongues mimicking the golden glow of the full moon. 

The fourth hallway's end was less scenic, a heavy sculpture on a lighted pedestal accenting a goldish-brown wall.  Romeo had disappeared through one of a pair of side-by-side arched doorways in that hallway; Jon's guess was the boy was trying to decide to which bedroom he would lay claim.

As if on cue Romeo's excited voice floated down the hall.  "DAD!  Come see!  This is COOL!"

Jon chortled at the obvious glee in his son's shout.  He was pretty sure Romeo had discovered the main reason he had chosen this villa for their temporary family residence.

"In a minute, Buddy!"  Jon gave Cate another squeeze and was rewarded with a happy little purr.  He spoke more quietly to her, close to her ear.  "Why don't you check out our room while I go see what he's found?"

"Okay."  Cate raised a hand to point toward the hallway to their left.  "Down there, you think?"

"Uh-huh.  I'm pretty sure the dining and living rooms separate the master suite from the other bedrooms."  Jon loosened his arms as Cate shifted in his embrace, regaining her balance in preparation for her exploration.  Reluctantly he let her slip from his grasp.

"DAAAAAAAD!"

Cate giggled and turned to smile at Jon.  "I think you better go."

"Yeah, probably."  Jon nodded.  He was pretty sure he knew what his youngest boy was so eager to show him.  After all, he hadn't chosen to stay at this resort on a whim.  "Or he's gonna scare the animals."

"Oh my God... I didn't even think of that!"  Cate's eyes widened again.  "Jon, is this one of the rooms... well, villas... where the animals come right up to the door?"

Jon grinned cheekily.  "Well, I don't think there's gonna be a baboon walking up and ringing the doorbell, if that's what you mean... but yeah.  Of course.  It's the Animal Kingdom Resort, Cate.  Why else would somebody stay here?"

Cate gasped softly, then slowly shook her head as her smile broadened.  "You know Romeo's not gonna want to leave here when he figures that out, right?  And forget him sleeping."

"Little Shit better sleep."  Jon waggled a sandy brow at Cate.  " 'Cause I got plans.  Grown-up plans.  After-hours plans."  He waved a hand toward the hallway leading to the master suite.  "So go check out the grown-up den, 'kay Baby?  Lemme deal with Cubbie."  He snickered at his own Lion-King pun.

"DAAAAAAAAD!!!!  C'meeeeere!!!!"

"I'm COMIN'! "  Jon's shout sounded vaguely roar-like.  Again he chuckled, giving Cate a wink and turning away.  She watched as he sauntered across the atrium and into the dim hall, then disappeared into a doorway.  Cate's smile softened as she heard him address his boy, then Romeo's excited chatter.

"Wow," she murmured, shaking her head as her gaze again traveled around the circular room.  She turned the opposite direction and traversed the short hall to the big doors at its end.  Cate paused with her hand on the iron handle, glancing at the giant baskets filled with tall grasses on either side of the entry.  Then she opened the portal and stepped inside.

Cate's lips parted in another approving purr as she surveyed the sitting room.  A massive zebra-hide rug covered the dark wood-plank floor.  Twin tawny leather chairs sat side-by side beside a low table made from a polished trunk cross-section of an exotic tree.  Opposite the chairs silver-based lamps with ivory shades perched on squarish, brass-fitted steamer trunks at either end of a deep mahogany-hued leather couch.

On the exterior wall creamy sheer net curtains filtered the moonlight through a massive picture window, framed by heavy woven-fiber drapes.  Through the gauzy sheers Cate could see another smaller table and chairs, set on a wide deck bordered by a picketed railing.  Beyond the railing she could see only star-speckled night sky.

Wondering where the portal to the deck was located, Cate looked to her left.  A partial wall was split by another set of double doors, these made of lighter, slatted wood.  Next to the doorway a stone-surrounded see-through gas fireplace separated the sitting room from the bedchamber.  A small flame flickered in the transparent firebox, its purpose ambiance rather than heat.

Cate opened the bedchamber doors and moved through them, then stopped.  Again she gasped, stunned by the beauty of the suite's inner sanctum.

Its exterior wall was entirely glass, matching net sheer curtains and fiber drapes tied back into corners to expose the stunning view and to reveal the ebony handle of the sliding glass panel that allowed access to the deck.  Between the transparent wall and the sitting room door stood the feature that had left Cate breathless. 

The enormous canopy bed was unlike anything she had ever seen before.  Its frame was made of twisted boughs of zebrawood, smoothed and polished to form a heavy footboard and spindled headboard.  Taller branches formed the corner posts and spread outward, forming a natural canopy frame over the mattress.  Over the branches yards of white net draped in gauzy swoops and folds, mimicking clouds against the blue-tinted ceiling-sky.  The bed linens were also made of pristine white cotton, the sheets and coverlet elegantly turned down to reveal a black-thread Disney monogram in the middle of one luxurious sheet.  Copper-and-black foiled chocolate squares rested in the center of twin plump feather pillows, welcoming their guests.

On either side of the bed silver urn-bottomed lamps sat atop carved ebony night tables.  Beside each lamp sat matching antique-looking alarm clocks.  Stepping over to more closely inspect the clocks, Cate discovered they were actually cleverly-designed touch-screen digital timepieces.  On small silver trays rested a sleek pen and monogrammed notepads, a clear miniature water flask, and a cut crystal heavy-bottomed water glass.   

Cate smiled when she noticed one notepad, bound in black velvet ribbon, was lined with blank music staffs.  It had clearly been specifically-placed in anticipation of her husband's needs.  She reached out to touch the ribbon as she wondered if musical inspiration would strike Jon here, as it had in a similarly-gorgeous bedroom years ago.  During the earliest days of their courtship as he sat watching her sleep under another romantic canopy, he had been moved to write the lyric to "her song."

But that was Once Upon a Time, a long, long time ago.

Cate turned away from the night table and moved slowly around the end of the massive bed.  She stopped beside the sliding door, taking a moment to inspect the space beyond the glass.  Cate hadn't noticed when they approached the villa that it was built onto the side of a modestly-graded hill.  The impressive drive and entry to the home was at ground level, but the back part of the structure was clearly several feet higher than the earth below.  As a result, a wide deck expanded the master suite and provided a panoramic view of the simulated African savanna.

Sliding the door open with a quiet swish, Cate stepped out onto the deck.  Though it was still fairly early in the evening, with the setting of the early-April sun a chill had touched the humid Florida night air.  She shivered lightly, but continued to the rail.

"My God..." she whispered, awed by the majesty of what she spied.  Elegant animal figures, shadowy but clearly visible under the bright new moon, seemed to float across the horizon toward a long, dark structure.  Cate watched breathlessly as horned, hoofed, long-necked, and stoutly-built mammals disappeared into different sections of the barn, where their keepers were obviously putting them up for the night.

She smiled.  If Romeo had discovered a similar view from his bedroom, the boy would be overwhelmed.  Of Jon's four children he was the animal-lover.  Her heart warmed at her husband's wonderful surprise for his littlest boy, just days after his birthday.  Jon really was a wonderful father.

Cate stood at the rail watching until the last animal had disappeared into the barn.  Then she turned to look at her more immediate surroundings.  Besides the patio table and chairs she had spied through the window, the deck was furnished with two woven-wicker, cushioned chaise lounges and another small table.  Square sisal rugs covered the gray-painted floor planks under the furniture, and a trio of now-still ceiling fans hung from the dark-beamed ceiling.  A black metal column-style heater stood toward the center of the wide space, where it could undoubtedly warm the entirety of the deck. 

At the opposite end of the deck, which Cate now realized far extended beyond the width of the Master Suite, were two items that surprised her: a large treadmill and an elliptical trainer machine.  Apparently there was no need for the guests of this posh villa to leave for any reason, including a workout.  And what a view they would have during their morning exercise; the machines faced east, toward the sunrise.  Cate imagined the sight of the morning sun breaking over the landscape would be spectacular.  She would definitely have to be sure to witness it at least once during their stay.

Cate turned her gaze again to the gorgeous view, then sighed.  She felt a mild pang of guilt with the involuntary thought that flitted through her mind:  I wish it was just the two of us. 

Cate frowned at her jealous lament, then shook her head.  This was a family vacation, not a private getaway for her and Jon.   It was most important that Jacob and Romeo enjoyed themselves.  She and Jon would find their own time together somewhere else.  If she was truly part of his family, a stepmother to his children, she needed to act like it.  That meant putting the boys before herself.

With another little shake of her head, Cate turned back to the bedroom.  She stepped back inside and slid the door closed behind her, the room's warmth making her realize just how chilly it had gotten outside.  As she stepped over to the bed she noticed something she hadn't seen before:  a closet on the opposite wall, its slatted pocket doors discretely half-opened to disclose that their luggage had been carefully placed inside.

Cate's frown relaxed, then curved upward as she again rounded the bed and crossed the room to the closet.  While Jon was exploring the rest of the villa with Jake and Romeo she could at least start unpacking.

When she rolled back the doors Cate was pleasantly surprised to see that not only had their bags been portered to their room, each had been placed on a long, chest-high wooden stand that featured two rows of wide drawers beneath.  The innovation made Cate nod approvingly.  It would be quite easy to transfer her belongings from her suitcase directly into the bureau below. 

She chuckled quietly, self-amused that she was excited about such ridiculously mundane things as this.  With a wry smile Cate unzipped her bag and flipped open the lid.

Cate was nearly done emptying Jon's bag when she heard the suite's door click open.  Again she smiled, anticipating his voice.

"Cate?"

"In here."  She stepped back from the closet, into his line of sight.  Jon grinned at her and sauntered through the doorway.  He stopped in his tracks when he spied the giant bed.  His eyes rounded and his jaw dropped.

"Whoa."  Jon stared at the furniture for a moment, then cast his eyes around the room.  He nodded approvingly before letting out a low whistle.  "This place just keeps getting better and better."

Cate giggled.  "I can only imagine what the rest of it looks like."

"You don't have to imagine.  Go check it out."  Jon strolled over to where she stood, his nose wrinkling as he realized what she was doing.  "Baby, we have plenty of time to unpack later."

"I know.  But I figured I'd just get it out of the way while I was waiting for you.  You did say you'd  meet me here."  Cate chided him playfully.  "I was beginning to think you forgot."

He grinned sheepishly.  "I kinda did.  But only for a minute or two."  He turned his head to look around the room again, then wandered over to the window.  "Nice view, huh?"

"Beautiful."

"Did you see the animals going in to the barn?"  Jon turned back to grin at Cate.  "I thought Romeo was gonna lose his shit when that happened.  He wanted to drive over there and see them up close."

Cate chuckled.  "I can imagine."

"I'm gonna call the concierge tomorrow, see if there's some sort of behind-the-scenes tour or something."  Jon laughed softly.  "If for no other reason than to pre-emptively shut him up."

Cate nodded.  "He's gonna love this part of the trip, that's for certain.  Little Doctor Doolittle he is."

Jon nodded, his smile softening.  "Yeah.  I brought him to Animal Kingdom before but he was pretty little.  I don't think he remembers much.  But this time... he'll be all about it."

"I have no doubt."  Cate laughed quietly, then wandered over to stand beside Jon.  Together they turned again toward the window.  "How about Jake?  Does he like it so far?"

"Yeah, he thinks it's pretty cool.  But he was more excited about the telescope than he was the animals."

"Telescope?"  Cate arched a brow.  "Where's that?"

"On the deck outside the other bedrooms.  There's a big-ass telescope and a book about what you can see in this part of the sky." Jon shook his head, still in semi-disbelief at the amenities that came with this property.  "And there's one of those viewfinder things that you can look out at the animals with.  You know, like at the top of the Empire State Building, or on the boardwalk at Asbury?"

"Cool!"

"Oh, and... get this.... it has night vision.  We were watching the animals go in with it.  And they have a field guide thing for them, too, so you know what species are what."

Cate nodded, impressed.  "Wow.  I think I'll check that out, myself."

"It's pretty fuckin' awesome."  Jon grinned and nodded eagerly.  He gave a little self-satisfied chuckle and stepped closer to the sliding glass door.  He craned his neck, looking out onto the deck.

"So what else is out there on our deck?"

"A patio set, one of those outdoor heaters.  Oh, and get this... a gym."

Jon turned to look at her, surprise registering in his expression.  "What?"

Cate nodded.  "Uh huh.  A treadmill and an elliptical.  We don't have to leave the house to go for a run."

"That's awesome."  Jon half-chuckled his observation.  "Does the deck wrap all the way around?"

"No.  There's a rail and a bamboo-kinda screen thing at the end by the exercise machines."  Cate shook her head.  "I guess it's a privacy screen or something."

"You couldn't see the other deck?"

"No."

Jon turned to give her a playful leer.  "Well that's convenient."

Cate smiled, feeling her cheeks heat with a light blush.  "Yeah, well.  Don't get any ideas.  This is a family vacation, remember?"

Jon turned to Cate, his smile turning naughty as he gathered her into his arms.  "Yeah, but it's a big fucking villa.  And I promised you some romance.  Remember?"

Cate smiled coyly, resting her hands against Jon's chest.  "Yes, I remember.  But..."  Her thought was cut short and she let out a surprised yelp as Jon suddenly dropped his hands below her ass and lifted.  Automatically Cate grabbed Jon's shoulders as he lifted her off her feet and turned, easily carrying her the few feet to the bed. 

Cate squeaked again when Jon lurched forward, causing them to fall together on the mattress.  Swiftly Jon rolled onto his back, pulling Cate with him.  She found herself laying atop Jon, his arms wrapped securely around her, his teeth gleaming and blue eyes sparkling as he grinned up at her.

"Jon!"  Cate sputtered, struggling to prop herself up off his chest.  "What the..."

"Shh."  Jon admonished her.  "Just.. shut up.  And kiss me."

Cate gaped at him for a moment, surprised by his demand.  Then a slow smile curved her mouth.  Unable to resist, Cate lowered her lips to his.

Jon purred happily at the contact, rounding his mouth and snaking his tongue forward, probing at her plump lips.  He chortled smugly when she offered no resistance.

Encouraged by her response, Jon slid one hand up Cate's back and cradled the back of her head, his fingers lacing into her thick copper locks.   His other hand slipped downward, his fingers tunneling under the waistband of her Levis and into her panties.  Jon groaned as his palm curved over the warm, firm globe of soft-skinned muscle.  He gently squeezed Cate's ass, eliciting a welcome purr from her throat as her tongue curled around his.

He kissed her deeply for another long moment, then slipped his lips sideways.  "You were saying?"  His smugness was evident in his throaty murmur.

"I..." Cate gasped softly for breath.  "I wasn't saying..."

"I didn't think so."  Jon chuckled throatily before again taking her mouth.  He rolled sideways, taking her with him, his fingers curving into her fleshy cheek.  Laying on his side, Jon curled his top leg over hers, pressing his hips hard against hers.  He groaned softly as his groin twitched and his jeans tightened.  His hand cupped around the base of her skull, urging her to intensify their kiss.

Cate couldn't help herself... he was making her dizzy with his amorous assault.  Her hand slid down Jon's side and into his back pocket, squeezing his taut, rounded ass as he kneaded hers.  Her other hand curled against his pec, the nail of her thumb brushing over Jon's tightened nipple.  He winced at the sensation, then growled with delight.

"Jon..." Cate breathed against his mouth.  "Baby..."

"Shhh."

"Boys... Jake... Romey..." She gasped, almost desperately, as his leg twined more tightly around hers.  She could easily feel his arousal against her pelvis.

"Quiet." His command was a breathy hiss against her lips.  "They're busy."