She took her time walking towards the bathroom, going downstairs, listening to the band, watching the people. She saw Justin come down the stairs, making eye contact before turning the corner to the bathrooms.

“You ok?” he asked, following her around the corner.

“Better, now that we’re alone…”

“You were so hot back there.”

“It was definitely a rush, I’ve never done that before.”

“I haven’t either,” he admitted. “I kinda liked it. Not gonna lie, if any of the guys saw, they probably were impressed by you.  You were NOT this girl when we first met.”

“You bring it out of me.  Hurry, before they suspect anything…”

He pulled her into a bathroom, pressing her against the door. She pulled her shorts down, his fingers entering her as his palm pressed against her clit. 

“Oh god, yes…” she moaned. 

He shushed her, “We gotta be quick, let it build. Fuck, you’re so wet for me. Cum for me baby, now.”

As soon as he said ‘now’ she felt herself release, a quiet whimper escaping her lips. She adjusted her clothes as he removed his hand, sucking on his fingers. “Best thing I’ve had all day. That’s just an appetizer, I can’t wait for the full meal…”

“Do we have to stay? I want you NOW, Justin…”

“We’ll go back up for a couple songs, then head home so I can do you right.”

She smiled at him, taking his hand in hers. They walked up the stairs and sat back down. Tim looked over at Justin, raising his eyebrows. Justin smiled lightly, trying not to be too obvious.  

“It’s the quiet ones you gotta watch out for,” Tim whispered to Justin, sitting next to him. Justin smiled wider. “You’ve got yourself a good woman, J.”

“Don’t I know it,” he replied, squeezing her hand tighter. 

It was around 1:00, Justin had pulled Deana up to dance on the balcony they were on. He held her close, his hand on the small of her back, edging on grabbing her ass. 

“I can’t wait to get you home,” he whispered in her ear. 

“I know, I can feel how hard you are,” she whispered back. “Are we waiting until we get home, or are we having some fun somewhere along the way?”

“I don’t think I can control myself if we do anything else before getting home.”

“We’ll see about that,” she smiled. 

“Hey man, we’re gonna head out, I can meet you in the studio tomorrow if you need anything. Trying to relax a bit while we’re here,” Justin told Tim. 

“Enjoy your evening,” Tim replied with a laugh.

They got in the car and headed home. Once they got on the road, Deana put her hand on his thigh. 

Justin smiled, keeping his eyes on the road. His eyes widened as she felt him unzip his jeans. “Babe, I’m driving…”

“When you want me to stop, just tell me.”

He gasped as she wrapped her hand around him, pulling him out of his boxers. She gripped him tightly, rubbing her thumb over the head. 

“FUCK, babe, you’re testing me here…”

“All part of the long game…” she smiled. 

She stroked him slowly, his breath catching in his throat. He struggled to keep his cool, taking gasping breaths, letting out puffs trying to control himself. 

“Fuuuck, babe, slow down, slow down…” he said through gritted teeth. He parked in the driveway, tucking himself in.  “Bedroom, now,” he ordered. He caught his breath, giving her a head start into the house. He leaned his head back against the headrest. “FUCK, that was close…” he said aloud. 

He got out of the car, heading to the bedroom. He saw her sitting on the edge of the bed, still fully clothed. 

“I thought you’d like to do the honors yourself, give yourself some time,” she said. 

He smiled, walking over to her and collapsing on top of her in a deep kiss. His hands were right against her, pulling the tank top off of her, quickly removing her bra. He pawed at her breasts, biting and sucking at her nipples, causing her to arch her back into him. 

He pushed her shorts off her hips, Deana kicking them off onto the floor. Justin pulled his shirt off, unzipping his jeans, pushing them down his legs. 

“God, babe, you were so amazing earlier, prepare for more,” he breathed. He spread her wide, his tongue running up her thighs. He lapped up her wetness from earlier, taking his time tasting her, making her moan in anticipation. He rubbed his nose against her clit as he continued to lick at her core. 

“God, fuck, yes, Justin, yeeeesssss,” she hissed, wanting more. 

He lifted his head from between her legs. “You’re gonna cum for me, then I’m gonna fuck you good, long, and hard.”

“Yes, Justin, pleeease…” she begged. She yelped at feeling his tongue against her clit, his lips around her, gently sucking. She grabbed the sheets on the bed, her toes curling as she felt her wave rising. He put two fingers inside her, pressing on that perfect spot within her.

She screamed in release, Justin kissing her deeply. She sucked on his tongue, tasting herself before he pulled back. He turned her onto her stomach, lifting her hips into the air. He ran his hands along her ass, giving a firm smack on each cheek. He entered her in one swift motion, his pace hard but slow. Each thrust was calculated, going as deep as he could, but in no rush. He wanted her begging for it. 

“Fuck, this is amazing,” Deana gasped. “Faster, please Justin, faster.”

“I wanna make this last, baby, part of the long game…”. He knew it was driving her crazy in more ways than one. It felt so good, but he knew she wanted more.  He knew he wanted more, but he wanted to hear her beg for it.

“Justin, please, fuck me faster, take me to the edge, I need you…”

He sped up his pace a little. “Like this?” he teased. 

“Faster…” she begged. 

He picked up speed again. “Better?”

“So hard and fast you fuuuuck my brains out,” she said, gasping as he sped up within her. “Fuck… yes… FUCK, JUSTIN!!!” she screamed, sending both of them over the edge. 

Deana caught her breath, groaning as he withdrew from her.  “I love the long game…” she gasped, catching her breath.

“Me too, baby, me too.”  He quickly kissed her before heading to the bathroom. She heard the shower running, sitting up in curiosity. She quietly walked into the bathroom, seeing him standing under the spray. She smiled, looking at him. She’d seen him naked countless times, but never got tired of the view. She let out a low, contented hum. 

He turned his head, smiling back at her.  “You coming in?”  

She saw him start to get hard again, smiling. “Absolutely…”

…

Justin went into the studio late the next day, exhausted from the night before. He walked into the studio, Timbaland giving him a nod and slight smile. 

“Sorry, long night last night,” Justin said. 

“That’s some girl you got, J.  I know it’s none of my business, but what exactly happened last night before you left?  She kept biting her lip.”

“A bit of foreplay,” he answered with a smile. 

“Sounds like a song idea,” Tim laughed. “You’re living the dream.”

“Don’t I know it,” Justin smiled. “Alright, catch me up on what I missed.”

…

The next couple days were more relaxed, having a lot of time at the house, dinners at Lynn and Paul’s. Deana brought the poncho, almost finished with it. 

“Oh Deana, that is GORGEOUS!” she said, seeing the pattern she was working on.

“I had an idea for it and I went with it,” Deana said modestly. “I wanna try making a dress, but that will take a long time I’m sure…”

“I’d love to but you more yarn, see your design,” Lynn offered. 

Deana blushed. “You’re too kind…”

“It’s the least I can do, darlin’.  Really, these are almost works of art. I’ve been practically living in this one at night,” she said, pulling lightly on the light green one she was wearing. 

“There’s plenty of time during our flight, our travel around Europe,” Justin said, wrapping an arm around her. “By the time you finish, it’ll be the perfect weather for it.”

“You always find the silver lining,” Deana smiled. 

“You ARE my silver lining,” he smiled back. “I had no idea you were what I needed all those months ago. Now I can’t imagine life without you.”

“I’m so glad he found you, Deana,” Lynn smiled. “He was devastated when they told him he’d have to go on vocal rest. Postponing the tour, other things getting canceled. So meeting you that night gave him hope during something that could have been a dark and lonely time. You needed each other at the best time and have been the best thing for each other ever since.”

“Mama…” Justin said with a catch in his voice. He looked at Deana. “She’s right. We’re what the other didn’t know they needed. You keep me grounded, help me slow down. I give you security, you can feel safe with me after having your heart broken and some pretty traumatic stuff. We learned we can find love again.”

He held her close to him as they sat talking. He kissed her temple.  She knew they were right. The security he provided wasn’t financial, it was being someone she could depend on and trust with her heart. 

…

Lynn and Deana were at Hobby Lobby, looking at yarn. 

“The teal poncho is nice, but do you want to make some in other colors for yourself?  What color for the dress?”

“I could make a black poncho or something. I hadn’t really thought of what color for the dress,” Deana admitted. 

“What about this heather grey? Very fall and winter friendly.”

“I think that could work.  I’ll need another pair of these needles to do the top before joining it all together.”

“Whatever you want. I want to support you in this. Seriously, Deana, look into making this a business for you. We can figure out pricing, but for the high end market, honestly, for something handmade, you could easily get $150 or more just for the ponchos.  Justin has some great business minded people that could really help you with this.  I know you want to teach, but this could be fun for you, too.  Especially once you two start a family.  Justin said you’d want to stay home for a while, not miss the big moments.  This would let you still have a piece of you while doing that.  Becoming a mom, you lose part of yourself; this could help you keep more of yourself while being the mom you’ve always wanted to be.”

“I will think about it.  I just worry about the pressure to rush to get things done.”

“For now, let me get this all for you.  You know I won’t take no for an answer…”

“OK.”  

“Again, just wanting to support you.  I know this is something you love, something you’re good at.  It’s something you can do while on vacation, I’m sure it’s relaxing for you.  Let me give you just a sliver of what you two give to each other.  I meant what I said yesterday, you are the best thing for him, and he’s clearly very good for you.  I don’t know what all you’ve dealt with, that’s not my place to know, but it seems you rescued each other.”

“I’m very blessed to have him in my life.  I never imagined a life like this.  I was afraid I’d never find love again, and now I have something better than I ever imagined for myself.  He loves me unconditionally, even with having good reasons not to.  I love him just as deeply.  All of the stuff, the money, his fame, that’s all extra.  When it’s just us, and I see the man underneath, that’s who I’m in love with.  He could lose everything tomorrow and nothing would change how I feel.  I thank God every day for him, every day for another day to love him more.”

Lynn stood in the middle of the yarn aisle, tears welling up in her eyes.  “Come on, darlin’, let’s get you home.  You two fly out tomorrow.”

They bought the yarn and needles, Lynn driving back to Justin’s.  “Where are you most excited for?” Lynn asked.

“I only know about going to Paris, but I don’t even know when that is in all of this.  I just know he got invited to do some golf stuff in Europe, I have no idea where.  It’ll be an adventure, I’m sure.”

“I would like pictures. I’ve seen what you post on Instagram. You’re not a bad photographer, either.  Your pictures from on the road, landscapes from the bus, the perfect shot of you and Justin, even if you can’t see his face. I’m sure your parents will want them, too.  Proof you’re ok, because parents always worry, but proof that you’re happy, too.”

Deana nodded.  “I think we can both arrange that.”

They got to Justin’s house, Deana going in alone. “Let us know when you get there safe. Have fun, enjoy this time together,” Lynn said, rolling up the window before driving off. 

Deana walked into the house with the bag of stuff. Justin was finishing packing his suitcase when she came in. She kissed him lightly on the lips. 

“Did you find what you wanted?” 

“And a little bit more. Gonna make a black poncho and a grey dress. She thought the color would be perfect for fall and winter.  She also said to talk to your more business minded people about starting my own company, figure out pricing, things like that. You told her I want to stay home once we start having kids?”

“You do, don’t you?” he asked. 

She nodded. “I do, but I didn’t expect you mom to know that.  She said starting a business could help me not lose all of myself after becoming a mom. Something I can do that I love while also being home with our family.”

“She just wants to support you…”

“I know, and I appreciate it. It was really quite sweet. Just threw me off a little.”

He laughed softly. “Yeah, that’s Mom.  Are you pretty much packed, except for the obvious toiletries?”

“I think so. I packed a little bit of everything. Stuff for hot, cold, casual, fancy, pajamas, lingerie…”

“Let me give one final once over of the closet, see if there’s anything I think you should pack that you didn’t…”

“I packed the scarves, blindfolds and handcuffs if that’s what you mean… just in case.”

“Not what I meant but good to know. I refilled our bag,” he said, giving her a knowing wink. “I really did mean clothes, my sexy girl.”

“I’m nervous, it’s like when I went on tour with you, but also completely different. After Tahoe, I wanna see you on tournament days, blend in with the crowd more.”

“Baby, you will NEVER blend in, not to me. On tour, I could pick you out of the crowd the nights you weren't at the bar. To the rest of the world, sure, but never to me.”

He looked in her closet, finding the blue lace dress she’d worn months ago when he brought Italian food after going to make her perfume.  He handed it to her. “Put this on in a bit, I want to take you out one last time before we fly out.  A taste of what’s to come.”

She dressed, straightening her hair and doing some light makeup. He wore his grey suit, looking phenomenal. He drove them into the city, parking near the Mississippi River, Deana’s breath caught in her throat at the sight from the parking lot. 

“Just wait,” he said. They walked into the restaurant, getting a table by the window. Since it was a Saturday night, it was full of people having dates, celebrating one thing or another. Half the fun of going out, to Deana, was watching the people around them. Watching a couple on their first date, a couple celebrating an anniversary, celebrating 50 years together, birthdays, promotions, remembering lost loved ones.  Seeing people together, so many different things all in one place at one time.  

“Penny for your thoughts,” Justin said, running his thumb over the back of her hand.

She froze, blinking for a bit.  “Sorry, another Paul thing, kinda.  Just looking at all the different people here, the different reasons for coming out here tonight, all under one roof.  I think we’re the only couple going to Europe tomorrow, though.  I might be wrong, who knows.”

“Circling back, a Paul thing?” he asked.

“The night I first met Paul, someone had left their cell phone up at the bar.  I held onto it for safe keeping, sitting at the bar.  He asked about a phone, I handed it to him, and in a weird, smart, wordy way, he asked me ‘penny for your thoughts’.  I don’t exactly remember what he said, but it was making a weird reference.  He kinda stumbled it out, and I replied ‘penny for your thoughts’ and his eyes lit up.  He was like ‘so you’re pretty AND smart…’ And then my whole world slowly started to implode.”

“I’ll try and just ask what you’re thinking instead,” he sighed.  “You’re right, there’s so many different things happening all at once.  One thing I see is everyone looking at us, stealing glances.  At first they see me, then they look to see who I’m with.  If they’re anything like me, they see the most beautiful woman in this room, the most beautiful woman in ANY room…”

“Danielle’s here?” Deana said, looking around with mocking excitement.

“YOU, Deana.  I’m so excited to share this with you.”

“I don’t even know where all we’re going.  It did make it hard to pack when I can’t figure out where to look up for weather forecasts…”

“We’re doing about 2 weeks in Switzerland.  The first week is for the golf tournament, getting practice in before the actual tournament, the rest is just us.  Then a couple weeks in Tuscany, then on to Scotland, ending with Paris.  We’ll be back in early October.  You’re gonna have such a great time, I hope you will, I think you will.”

“I’ll be with you, of course I will.  I’ll double check weather forecasts as best I can, that’s probably only Switzerland, but we’ll see.  Oh, your mom wants pictures during our trip, figures my parents do too.  So we need to be on that.”

They ate their dinner, Justin taking her to the rooftop bar after.  She gasped as she saw the last fading of twilight against the skyline, the twinkling lights of the city across the river.  “I promise you views like this one, and views like Yosemite and Montana.  Manmade and natural beauty.  All of it for you.”  He stood behind her, his arms around her waist, resting his head on her shoulder.  “My beautiful girl.”