The staff meeting was breaking up and Leo had returned to the Post Its Margaret seemed to relish leaving all over his desk. Thumbing through them he decided none were very urgent.

CJ crept up towards his desk and leaned forward.

Leo leapt up in surprise. “Jesus CJ, we really need to get you a bell. What’ya need?”

“Well, if it’s still valid I’d like to take advantage of our agreement?” CJ asked quietly.

“Agreement?”

“Yeah, if I need an escort,” she reminded. “I have the Correspondents dinner tomorrow.”

"Oh," he said, taking off his glasses so he could study her. "Yeah, the agreement still stands... formal wear?"

She nodded. "Black tie."

"Okay -- you want me to pick you up?"

"I can meet you there," she said, looking down at her feet, suddenly feeling awkward.

“Something wrong, CJ?” Leo asked, sitting down at the desk.

“No, uh, well yes,” she stammered, “You should know Danny’s going to be there.”

“I guessed that. You want me to play the adoring boyfriend?” he teased.

"No," she said, looking down at him. "I just... he's..." She sighed. "He's been hanging around again -- it's vaguely stalkerish."

"CJ, why didn't you say anything?" Leo asked, standing up.

She raised her hand and gestured for him to sit again. "Because it isn't a big deal."

"If it makes you uncomfortable, it is a big deal!" he protested. "Let me talk to him..."

"Leo --"

"If talking doesn't work, I can beat some sense into him with his recorder."

"Leo, chill," she sighed. "See, this is why I didn't say anything -- you're getting possessive on me!"

“Am not,” he retorted. “I just don’t want to see you get upset. Danny has a lot of the Irish in him.”

CJ sighed, “I’m a big girl, Leo.”

“Yeah, that I know,” Leo mumbled, blushing.

“I have a briefing to do,” she explained, “Just so you know there won’t be sex afterwards.”

“After the briefing?” he grinned.

"After the dinner," she said, rolling her eyes. "I've gone off of sex."

"Yeah," he said, slightly disappointed. "What are you wearing tomorrow?"

"Clothes," she deadpanned.

"Funny woman."

"I'm wearing rose."

"Okay."

“Now I really have to go brief,” she stated. “Seven thirty, don’t be late,” she called over her shoulder.

Leo knew immediately that he would, in fact, be late and there was going to have to be some major sucking up.

*******

CJ artfully dodged Danny, yet again, and looked at the clock. 8:45. Where was he? Had he forgotten?

She ran into Jeremy Hoffman from the Kansas City Star and spent a good five minutes chewing over the price of tea in China -- literally -- and the tariffs associated with the importation thereof.

"Excuse me, CJ, can I bother you for a minute?" Danny asked from over her shoulder.

"No, Danny, you can not -- I'm busy," she sighed.

"Talking about tea?"

“Doing my job,” she deadpanned.

“Okay, I just wondered if you would like to dance?” he asked sheepishly.

“Sorry, Danny boy but she’s promised me this one,” Leo announced walking up behind them. Slipping his arm through CJ’s he half pulled her to the dance floor.

“You’re late,” she hissed.

“Well, I’ve just spent the last two hours with the President discussing the pros and cons of turning his farm organic,” he grumbled.

"What are the pros?" she asked with a smile.

"Healthier crops, no pesticides..."

"Cons?"

"Costs more."

"Ah, it's always something -- what did he decide?"

"He's still on the fence." He smiled and said, "You look gorgeous."

"Thank you," she said, blushing a little and avoiding his eyes. "Is Danny watching us?"

"Why?"

"Because I feel his eyes boring holes into my back."

Leo spun her around in his arms so she could scan the room.

“Better?”

“Yeah. So how are you going to make it up to me?” She asked, nestling her head on his shoulder.

“For being late?”

“And for leaving me to Danny and tea,” she mumbled, catching Danny out of the corner of her eye.

“Well seeing as sex is out that doesn’t leave me with many options,” he whispered, blowing lightly on her hair.

"Dinner and dancing," she suggested.

"How about the opera and dinner?"

"You don't like opera."

"You do."

"Fair point... Leo?"

"What?"

"You do realize that you're very aroused, right?"

"Don't remind me," he muttered.

“Maybe we should walk,” she offered. “Get a drink, some food, maybe.”

“You’d better walk in front of me,” he growled.

CJ stepped from his arms and turned to walk across the dance floor. She heard Leo give out a loud groan and laughed when he motioned to her dress.

“Hell, you don’t leave much to the imagination, do you?” he groaned.

“You need ice water,” she chided, “Or bromide tea.”

Leo came up close behind her and said quietly so only she could hear, “I don’t need my sexual urges quashed, I need to get laid.”

"And yet, you're still not getting that there won't be sex tonight," CJ said, waving at a reporter with a smile.

"And why the hell not?" he hissed into her ear. She shivered at the feel of the cool air over her warm flesh. "You asked me to be your escort..."

"Not that kind of an escort!" she hissed.

"I wouldn't charge much," he teased, leading her out onto the balcony.

“Leo!”

Leo dropped her arm and took a step away, “I’m sorry. Friends?”

CJ shook her head and leaned on the wall, “Of course we’re friends. I’m just wondering what’s got into you tonight.”

Leo turned his face away from her and stared into the distance, “Tonight would have been my wedding anniversary.”

"Oh," she said quietly. "I'm sorry, I didn't..."

He shrugged. "Don't worry about it." He turned back and smiled. "You okay?"

"As long as Danny isn't around, yeah." She crossed her arms over her chest protectively. "He's giving me the creeps."

“Want me to set the boys on him?” Leo asked, giving her his widest grin.

“Huey, Duey and Louie would be useless,” she said, shaking her head. “Just don’t leave me alone, okay?”

Leo shrugged out of his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders, “Better?”

“Yeah, thanks. But now you’re cold,” she stated, rubbing his arm.

"So we'll go back inside and sit down for dinner," he said with a smile.

"Okay," she said softly, shrugging out of his jacket and handing it back to him. "You need this for dinner."

He laughed. "Yeah, I do, don't I?"

She smiled and leaned down to kiss him on the cheek. "You're being so sweet about all of this."

“What are friends for,” he mumbled, “Besides, this arrangement has an upside, I get to spend time with you without the others.”

CJ blushed at his hidden compliment.

“Let’s go and see what delights we have to eat,” CJ suggested, “And once the speeches are over we can get out of here.”

"Your place or mine?" he teased.

Her face clouded over. "I don't know about you, but I want to go home. To my home."

"I'm sorry, CJ, I..."

She gestured him away a little. "Just stop while you're ahead, please."

They sat at dinner in silence, neither really wanting to start a conversation which would end in a fight. By the time the speeches were due to start Leo was itching to get out of there, silently praying for his cell to ring.

“There’s never an emergency when you need one,” he mumbled.

CJ gave him a glare and hissed, “You can go if you want. I’ll be fine.”

"No -- I am not going to leave you here alone," Leo hissed back.

"Leo, if you don't want to be here, just please, for the love of God, go."

He frowned, then got up and left the room.

She sighed and rubbed her eyes. When the time came for her to make a quick exit, she was stopped by Danny at the door. "You've been avoiding me all night," he accused.

"I have not," she said, retrieving her coat. "I've got to get home -- my dad's supposed to call later..."

"I can give you a ride."

"No, Danny," she growled, holding a hand up in his face. "I don't need your ride, I don't need anything from you except... Leave me alone, okay? You're scaring the hell out of me, outside my apartment when I leave for work every morning, outside my office two or three times a day. You're freaking me out."

“CJ,” he said softly, taking her hand, “Please don’t be like this. We both know if it wasn’t for Leo we’d be together.”

CJ raised her eyebrows, “You think Leo and I are….?”

“No, I meant, if he hadn’t warned you off we would be lovers,” he said, his voice rising at the last word.

“Danny, you ended any chance for us when you turned down the editor’s job,” CJ said firmly, her eyes darting around for a friendly face.

"You don't understand," Danny half-whined. "I care about you, and I don't want anyone to hurt you."

"So you're running around, scaring the hell out of me?" she asked, backing away. "Not a good sign, Daniel."

He moved closer. "I'm going to give you a ride home, CJ."

"No, you are not," CJ said, backing away even more, but still he came closer. She was still looking around in an almost panic for a friendly face, but none was forthcoming.

Without warning he was taking her hands in his and holding her against him. “I remember just how you like to be kissed.”

“Danny, please,” she begged, just before a hand clasped her head and pulled her face towards him.

“It’s going to work this time,” he whispered as his lips brushed hers.

CJ flashed back to the night of the Minority Leader’s party and Hoynes and she cringed.

"Let go of me," she said, struggling, pulling her head back as far as she could without hurting herself. "LET GO!"

"CJ, I just want to..."

She pushed him away completely. "Just leave me alone!" she shouted, running for her waiting cab. "1014 M," she ordered. "And please step on it."

When she reached the apartment she paid the driver and stepped out onto the sidewalk, her body shaking from the experience. After trying the lock three times she finally made her way through the lobby and up to her apartment. Closing the door behind her she sank to the ground, shivering. It was a few seconds before she fished out her cell and dialled his number.

It took three rings before he answered, “McGarry.”

“Where are you?” she asked, quietly.

“CJ? I’m at the hotel,” he replied, concern evident in his voice.

"Can you come here? Please?"

"Where are you?"

"My apartment -- Danny..."

"CJ, what did he do?" Leo asked, very worriedly, as he reached for his jacket.

"He wanted to give me a ride, and he tried to kiss me... oh God, Leo..." she said, beginning to cry.

"I'll be right there," Leo promised, sliding his feet into his shoes. "You'll need to buzz me in, right?"

"Yes..."

"So Danny can't get in?"

"His friend lives down the hall," she whimpered. "He can get in."

“Do you want me to call the police? An agent, or something?” he asked, grabbing his car keys.

“I just want you,” she said, her voice barely audible, “Please hurry.”

As she waited for Leo CJ remained on the floor, her shoes kicked across the room, her dress bunched around her hips. Her revulsion for Danny was making her feel sick, and her instinct to call Leo over one of the others a little surprising.

Her breathing evened out a little as the minutes went by, and then she heard the knock on her door. Her eyes widened -- she hadn't buzzed Leo in, but maybe someone had let him in on their way out.

She got to her feet and went to the door, wishing she had one of the fish hole things to see out of, or a chain on the door. She had barely opened it a crack and looked out when she recoiled and tried to slam the door shut. But Danny's foot was in the way.

"GO AWAY!" she yelled.

“I just want to talk.”

“Well I DON’T,” she shouted, throwing her body weight against the door.

“All this flirting is great for my ego CJ, but the games are getting tiresome,” he whined.

“Are you drunk?” she cried, casting glances around for heavy objects.

“I had a few drinks earlier,” he muttered, “I bet it’s been so long since you’ve had a warm body.”

"No, it really hasn't," she said honestly.

"What?"

"I had a wonderful date not too long ago," she lied. "In fact, we're going out again tomorrow night."

"No," Danny protested, easing up on the door enough that she managed to get it closed, and lock it. He started pounding on the door. "Open it, CJ!"

The buzzer beeped, and she went for the intercom. "Leo, is that you?"

"Yeah, it's me."

"Get up here, but stay away from Danny," she said.

Leo climbed the stairs and stepped out onto CJ’s floor. The first thing he saw was Danny banging on CJ’s door; the second was the stream of people appearing in the hallway.

“Danny,” he called, but the younger man ignored him. “Danny” he tried louder, gently tapping him on the shoulder.

Danny spun round, “What are you doing here?” he spat.

“CJ called me.”

"Why?"

"Because she needed to ask me something about a thing -- a thing you can't be involved in, because it's governmental affairs." Leo crossed his arms over his chest and glared at him. "Now get outta here, or I'll call the police and the Secret Service."

“It’s your fault, you turned her against me,” Danny whined, banging the door once more for effect.

The neighbours edged closer to hear the gossip.

“Go home, Danny, sober up. Maybe talk to her tomorrow.” Leo took a deep breath, “If you don’t go now I’ll have you credentials suspended.” He was going to do that anyway.

"You can't do that," Danny growled.

"You wanna make a bet? Your ass is gonna be out on the curb in exactly two minutes." Leo reached for his cell phone, and Danny lashed out, hitting him.

The neighbors moved closer.

CJ had been listening through the door, and had even gotten courageous enough to open it a crack. When she saw Danny hit Leo, though, she flung the door open. "You fucking bastard!" she yelled, throwing Danny off-balance.

“CJ?”

“I mean it, get out. Do you realise what charges you face for assaulting the White House Chief of Staff?” CJ snapped, turning to glare at the bystanders. “Leo, are you okay?”

Danny stared between the two of them and went wide eyed, “Shit, him, you’re doing him!!!!!!”

CJ turned to glare at him. "I am not 'doing him'," she spat. "For your information, I do not have a boyfriend, I do not intend to have a boyfriend, because, as just demonstrated, way too many guys have way too many problems."

"You... I can't believe you..." Danny spluttered.

"Get out now," CJ growled, helping Leo sit up.

Danny took one more opportunity to glare at them before he headed for the stairs. “You’ll change your mind,” he growled over his shoulder.

“Hell if I will, “ she muttered, helping Leo to his feet, “We need to get ice on that.” Tuning to the spectators she waved her hands, “Show’s over, and there isn’t going to be an encore.”

After a few grumbles the crowd dispersed, leaving them alone in the hallway.

“Before you argue with me, I’m taking your couch,” Leo stated firmly.

"I'm not going to argue with you," she said quietly as she shut the door behind them and locked it, then threw the deadbolt. "Go sit down and I'll get some ice and see if I have something for you to drink."

He didn't go sit, instead, he followed her into the kitchen. "I'm pulling his credentials as of tomorrow morning," he said.

"Yeah," she sighed. "What a total dick he turned out to be, eh?"

"Something like that," Leo mumbled as she handed him the ice pack.

"I'll go get you some blankets," she said quietly.

“Thanks.”

When CJ appeared a few minutes later Leo was rubbing his head.

“Want something for the head?” CJ asked softly.

“Don’t take drugs anymore,” he mumbled.

“Leo, you’re slurring there,” CJ said, slightly concerned.

"I'm fine," he muttered. "He hit me in the jaw -- no big deal."

"Are you sure?" she asked quietly, sitting down beside him.

"Yeah," he grumbled. "You okay?"

She shrugged. "I thought nothing would get me out of the apartment while he was around." She looked away from the bruise that was forming on his jaw. "I was wrong."

“It’s not your fault he’s a jackass,” he whispered. “I’m going to sleep now.”

“Leo?”

“I’m just tired. I think you should do the same.”

“’K, you need anything come and wake me,” she added kissing him lightly on the forehead.

"Okay," he said, leaning back against the back of the couch with a weary sigh. "See you in the morning."

"Yeah," she said quietly, heading for her bedroom. She changed into her t-shirt and lounge pants and climbed into bed.

CJ lay awake, staring at the ceiling, wondering if Leo was all right out on the couch.

Finally, she got up and went into the living room. "Leo, you awake?" she hissed into the darkness.

"Yeah."

"Can you sleep?"

"Not really."

"Me, either," she sighed, flipping on the light and wincing.

“Wanna watch the news?” Leo asked, shifting on the couch to make room for her.

“Nah.”

“We could talk a little,” he suggested.

“Leo, she whispered, “Come and talk in bed.”

"Is that a proposition?" he teased.

"No, just a lonely plea from one person to another," she said, reaching for his hand. "That and I was getting worried about you out here. I can keep a better eye on you in bed."

“Spoilsport,” he grumbled, holding on tight to her hand and following her down the hallway.

“Which side?”

“It’s your bed.”

“I’ll take the right, you undress and take the left,” she instructed.

Leo flushed pink and stood in the middle of the room.

“What now, I’ve seen you naked, for god’s sake?” she groaned. “Look I’ll close my eyes.”

"It's not that, it's..." he made a gesture at the painting over the bed.

She turned and looked. "What, does a framed lithograph of an amateur nude make you uncomfortable?"

"Yeah, when it's you," he spluttered.

“Oh Leo,” she laughed, “You are an idiot sometimes.”

“Well…you have…a beautiful body,” he stammered, glancing at his feet. “And I’m…well…”

CJ shook her head and climbed back out of bed, “You have a body men half your age would kill for.”

He blushed and studied his feet.

"Leo," she said quietly, tilting his chin up so he was looking into her eyes. "I may have been drunk that night, but it's not John Hoynes I remember. You have a wonderful body, and you shouldn't be ashamed of it."

He smiled a little. "I remember telling you something like that."

"Well, in that case, since neither of us should be ashamed, let's just get undressed and get in bed," she said.

After another second of pondering Leo shed his clothes and climbed into bed. Pulling the comforter up around his chest, he settled as far from CJ as possible.

CJ rolled onto her side and watched him. “So what shall we talk about?”

"Well, for one thing, why do you have a nude painting of yourself above your bed?" he asked, not looking at her at all.

"Because I bought it off an ex-boyfriend who painted it because he always wanted to remember me... and then I went into politics," she snorted. "So, y'know... I bribed him well."

“Well, it’s nice,” he said quietly. “Very tasteful.”

CJ laughed and snorted, “Nice, that’s the best you can do?”

Leo continued to concentrate on a point in the distance, “I’m not sure what the correct protocol is.”

CJ took note of his nervousness and changed the subject. “So how did you meet Abbey?”

"Why?" he asked, slightly sharply.

"I'm curious, is all," she said softly.

"I met her at a thing," he hedged. "Look, I don't feel like talking right now."

She moved slightly, and he moved over further, almost falling off the bed in the process. "Leo, look, am I making you uncomfortable?" she finally sighed.

“Not intentionally, no.”

“That was cryptic,” CJ exclaimed.

“All this talk about nudes, and Abbey and you naked,” he groaned, “Well it’s giving me a…” He waved his hands to explain and the sheet slipped from his chest.

She bit her lip to keep from laughing. "See, what did I tell you?" she asked mildly. "You have a wonderful body... it works properly and everything!" She couldn't hold back her laughter any longer, and he shot her a wounded look.

"It's not funny," he muttered.

"No, it's not," she placated, reaching over to rub his arm. "I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable." The apology came with an ear-to-ear grin.

Lightly he covered her hand with his own and gave her a sheepish grin, “Would you mind if I went into the bathroom and rectified the situation?”

"Yes, actually, I do mind," she said with a smirk.

"I thought you said..."

"Part of the agreement was sex, was it not?" she said primly.

"Uh, yeah, but..."

"Well, you're ready and able, and I'm adaptable," she chuckled.

“This is part of that woman’s prerogative thing, isn’t it?” he grumbled.

“Having trouble keeping up?”

Leo groaned, “This really isn’t helping my situation.”

Taking the comforter firmly CJ threw it on the floor, “Now Leo,” she said in a mischievous tone.

"Oh Lord, don't say it like that," Leo groaned, closing his eyes and reaching down to try to shield himself from her gaze like a three year old.

"What are you?" she muttered. "Two?"

"That's an insult!" he spluttered, opening his eyes again.

"Not really -- but you're the one that thinks his hands falling right there will protect him from embarrassment," she said with a smirk.

Leo glanced around for something to cover himself and came up with nothing.

CJ shifted closer to him and reached over to tweak his nipple. “So what do you like?”

“What do I like?” he asked, surprised.

"Yeah -- oral, missionary, anal, tantric..."

Leo's face became a permanent shade of beet red as he spluttered, "CJ, what...."

"I'm trying to find out," she sighed, "because I want you to have fun if we're going to do this. But you're too embarrassed by a normal human function called sexuality."

"Holy shit," he muttered.

CJ licked her lips and continued to tease his nipples. “You know, let’s start at the beginning and go from there,” she muttered replacing her fingers with her mouth.

“Um, that’s nice, “ Leo moaned.

“I hope what I’m about to do rates better than nice,” CJ mumbled against his chest, sending vibrations through his body.

"Oh yeah," he exhaled.

"I wasn't talking about that," she laughed against him, sending more vibrations shuddering through him.

"Oh," he squeaked as she began to gently stroke his sides with her long fingers.

Leaving a trail of wet kisses CJ worked her way over his abdomen.

Leo wriggled as she ran her tongue around the inside of his belly button, and his hands lightly stroked at her back.

"Are you enjoying this?" she purred, nibbling gently on his skin.

"Mmmmm..." was all the response she got.

"Leo..."

"Mmm?"

"What do you want me to do now?"

Leo looked down at her and flushed pink. “CJ?”

“Leo, I’m not embarrassed about kinky sex,” she purred, tracing his hipbone with her fingertip. “We can play with my toys, or I can give you a blow job?”

Leo stared at the ceiling, and tried to stop his erection from jumping around.

"Silence implies consent," she said softly. "So your silence I can take to mean you wouldn't mind something kinky?"

"God," he gritted out, "you sound like Abbey."

CJ went wide eyed, “Something you’d like to tell me there Leopold?”

“NO.”

Climbing off the bed CJ moved to her dresser and rummaged around in a drawer.

"What are you looking for?" Leo asked, trying to sound disinterested.

"Motion lotion," CJ muttered. "I know I've got some here..."

Leo sat up on the bed, and stammered, “Uh, CJ…I’m not sure about this.”

CJ ignored him and continued to search. Suddenly she spun around, “I’ve found my handcuffs.”

Leo groaned and fell back on the bed.

“Ah, found it,” she exclaimed.

"Holy Mother of God, save me," Leo moaned as she hopped back onto the bed with all the glee of a child at Christmas.

"So..." she purred, letting a little bit of the lotion drip out of the bottle onto her finger. "Where should I put this?" She dabbed a little on his chest. "Here..." She dabbed a little on his stomach. "Here..." And then she rubbed it into his skin. He groaned. She poured out a little more, and smirked as she reached for his erection. "It tastes like strawberries," she purred.

As her hands cupped his erection Leo bucked on the bed, “You have to warn a guy when you’re gonna do that,” he growled.

“And when I do this?” CJ asked, rubbing his tip with her wet finger.

“Ooh,” Leo moaned, “You can do that anytime.”

Making space between Leo’s thighs CJ settled herself and lightly kissed his thighs. Using her fingertips on his penis CJ rubbed the lotion along its length.

"OH God, oh god," he gasped. "God, CJ, that shit is HOT!"

She laughed and leaned down to kiss his stomach. "Would you just relax? The lotion isn't what's hot..."

“You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?” Leo groaned, “Chief of Staff killed by kinky sex games.”

CJ ran her nail down the underside of his shaft and giggled, “Sherry Wexler can’t spell kinky so we’re safe.”

He groaned. "CJ..."

"What?"

"You're way too good at this..."

She tickled him and smirked. "Why yes, I am... and if I make you come, you get to watch me with my favorite toy..."

Leo placed a hand lightly on the back of her head and pushed her towards his groin.

“Leo, you’re gonna have to tell me what you want,” CJ teased, lifting her head back up.

Swallowing hard he whispered, “I’d like you to go down on me.”

“A blow job?”

“CJ, do you think you could stop talking and…” he gasped as she rolled her tongue around his tip.

"God yeah," he groaned as she purred against him, her throat muscles vibrating, making his erection twitch.

"I haven't done anything," she teased, nibbling on his tip very gently. The noise that erupted from the back of his throat amused her, and she took a bit of him into her mouth, gently biting down, listening to him almost howl.

“Gently does it,” he whined, gasping as her lips slid down his shaft.

CJ skilfully gripped the base and worked her mouth up and down the length of him as he mumbled incoherently.

Leo gripped the sheets until his knuckles turned white. “CJ, I…” he yelped as she massaged his balls with her free hand.

“It’s okay baby.”

"How... can you... talk..." he grunted, thrusting into her mouth, unable to help himself.

She smirked and stared up into his eyes as she worked him. He thought the smouldering heat in her eyes would heat him up more than her hands and her mouth and the lotion.

With a final noise, he twitched and spilled down her throat. She swallowed and pulled back.

"Oh..." he panted, "I think you're gonna need a drink..."

"I'm fine," she laughed, coughing a little.

“That wasn’t part of the deal.”

CJ shook her head and shifted up the bed, “Maybe we can adjust the rules, a little.”

Leo reached down and made himself comfortable before rolling onto his side. “So what’s your favourite toy?”

She smirked and licked her lips. "Are you sure you want to know?"

"I'm asking, aren't I?"

She laughed. "My favorite toy has just had fresh batteries put in it..." she purred. "Look in the drawer in the little table over there... you'll know it when you see it."

Leo rolled over to look through the drawer, and his eyebrows rose into his hairline. "Christ, you like porn?" he croaked, pushing magazines and videos out of the way until he found a very large vibrator. "Holy shit."

“It was a gift last Christmas,” she smirked.

Leo gazed at the object from all angles, “Please tell me Toby didn’t buy it,” he groaned.

“Actually it was Abbey,” CJ muttered, blushing.

“Okay,” Leo sighed, “You want me to do the honours?”

She smirked and whispered, "Not until you tell me about you and Abbey..."

"There's nothing about Abbey and me. She's my best friend's wife."

"Uh-huh... and...?"

“CJ, that’s crossing the bounds of friendship,” Leo grumbled.

“It won’t be the first time,” she said simply. ”What you say here and now will never go any further.”

“I made a pass at her.”

"Oh really? An idle pass?" she said with a raised eyebrow.

He groaned. "God, CJ..."

"You sound like you have something to hide..." she purred, reaching for her toy.

Leo held onto the vibrator, pulling it away from her. “It was a long time a go, I didn’t know what I was doing.”

CJ reached once more for the toy and ended up lying on top of him. “Leo, is she who you had the affair with?” CJ asked casually toying with his nipple.

He groaned. "This is cruel and unusual punishment!" he spluttered.

"So tell me and get it over with... did you have an affair with Abbey?"

"CJ..."

"Leo."

He looked very ashamed. "Yeah."

“Okay,” CJ shrugged and rolled over onto her back, folding her arms behind her head.

“That’s it?” he asked astounded, “No begging for details.”

“Right now I want you to get me all worked up,” CJ purred, parting her legs. “When the time’s right you can open up about your past.”

He groaned. "Bad pun..."

"Who was punning?" She blinked up at him with an innocent, beguiling smile. "Now you'd better hurry up or I'll find something that might hurt you in my drawer of tricks..."

“You remember I’m a guy, right?” Leo asked, looking for a switch. “I can’t say I’ve ever needed to use one of these.”

CJ raised an eyebrow, “You’re kidding me?”

“Nah. The women I’ve been with, well we didn’t,” he commented.

Sighing CJ reached across and twisted the base, which started a gently vibration, “If you keep twisting it goes faster.”

“The faster the better,” Leo grinned.

She laughed. "Not at first, Leo..."

"Oh, so you start off slowly and..."

"Yeah."

"So basically, I just..."

She rolled her eyes. "Okay, it helps if there's a little stimulation BEFORE you try to..."

"Oh." Leo blushed.

Reaching out CJ took his left hand and straightened his middle finger. Lightly she dampened the end before guiding him to her opening. “All yours.”

Leo didn’t need any further instruction as he parted her outer folds and stroked at her center. CJ emitted tiny whimpers as he developed a rhythm.

"Okay," she panted, "enough..." But he didn't stop, just continued stroking her, circling her clit with his thumb. "Leo..." she croaked.

"Hmm?"

"You can use the thing now," she gasped as he curled his finger inside her.

"I don't want to use your toy," he said with a disgusted look.

"No, I mea... OH!"

"You like that?"

"Leo... I want my thing!" she panted.

Leo moved the Cactus teaser to her opening and stopped. “You sure this doesn’t hurt?” he asked quietly.

“Ahh,” CJ yelped, covering his hand with her own and sliding the vibrator further in.

Leo inhaled sharply and watched her eyes roll back into her head.

"Oohhhhhhh," she moaned. He slid it a little further in, and her hips nearly flew off the bed.

“Wow, I can see why it’s your favourite toy,” Leo smirked, twisting the cap and sending CJ head long into her first orgasm.

"God that's good," she panted. "More..."

"What?" Leo said, his eyes widening.

"MORE..."

“Jesus.”

CJ reached for the toy but her hands closed around a softer shaft. Leo yelped and accidentally thrust into her hand.

"Very nice," she purred.

Leo made a noise in the back of his throat and twisted the base of the vibrator, watching her body begin to quake as she approached another strong orgasm.

“Oh, fuck, Leo,” she panted as she increased her grip on him.

“Was that an invitation?” he moaned, feeling the familiar surge in his blood pressure.

Her eyes were unfocused as she stared up at him. "You wanna fuck me?" she panted, her voice a little disbelieving.

"Yeah," he groaned as she continued to hold him.

"More," she groaned.

Throwing the vibrator on to the floor Leo shifted until he was poised over her opening.

“I hope that’s not broken,” CJ whined, squeezing his erection tightly.

“I’ll buy you another, hell, I’ll buy you two,” he groaned, resting on his elbows.

"Sounds good to me...,” she groaned, arching to meet him. "Hurry, please..."

"God, don't say that," Leo groaned, slowly entering her. "I'm getting old, remember?"

"I'm... getting... ohh..." CJ moaned, clenching around him and feeling her orgasm start anew.

Clutching at his shoulders CJ pushed herself against him, writhing as she sought the much-needed spot.

Leo winced at the nails in his shoulders, “CJ. Before you mark me for life. I want you to come with me to Mal’s school play.”

Gently he pulled out of her an inch.

“LEO!!”

“Well?” he teased, rocking his hips slightly.

"Oh God... Leo...."

"Come with me to the play," he insisted, teasing her nipples with his lips.

"Oh God, yeah - just fuck me, please..." she begged, her breathing becoming ragged and strained.

"So you'll come?"

"YES!"

“And we can have sex after?” he pleaded, positioning his hips to thrust.

"Yes... oh God yes," she whimpered.

Quickly he plunged into her, before pulling back and beginning to thrust rapidly. “I promised I’d always be gentle with you,” he whispered against her breast.

CJ ran her nails down his back as she threw her head back and spasmed around him.

She groaned as she fell back to earth, then began the ascent again. "Leo... you... don't have... to be... gentle," she panted.

"I promised," he growled, trying to slow a little.

“Just promise you’ll still love me tomorrow,” she cried, willing him to ride the wave with her.

“Always,” he groaned as he felt the stream of warmth course through his shaft.

She gasped and rocked her hips, feeling him spill into her. She had another quick orgasm, then let him slide out of her.

"Ah hell," she muttered a few minutes later, when her heartbeat had slowed and her breathing had evened out again.

"What?"

"We didn't use anything."

Rolling over on to his back Leo stared at the ceiling, embarrassed. “Jeez, I’m a jerk,” he muttered. “I didn’t think. What do we need to do?”

“Why are you so down on yourself all the time?” CJ asked softly.

“When I make mistakes I make big ones,” he growled.

“Well this wasn’t a mistake,” she said sadly, “We’re two very good friends enjoying each other’s company.”

"And fucking like bunnies..."

"Who says that's bad?" CJ asked, rolling off of the bed and retrieving her toy. She laughed. "You knocked the batteries out of it..."

"Sorry." He shrugged.

"Don't worry about it..."

“You want a juice or something?” CJ asked, standing her favourite toy on the chest.

“Nah, I should sleep some.”

CJ picked up the comforter and threw it over him. Walking back to her side of the bed she climbed in. “Can I have a cuddle?” she asked hesitantly.

Stretching his arm across her pillow Leo motioned for her to get closer. Snuggling up to his side CJ kissed his cheek lightly.

"You thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?" she asked.

"What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking I could get used to this," she teased, kissing him on the tip of the nose, then gently on the lips.

“You’ll always be a very special friend, “Leo said quietly, not wanting to misread her comment.

“Yeah, I can’t remember when I’ve felt so safe,” she mumbled, rolling over and pressing her back to his chest.

Leo wrapped the other arm across her waist and closed his eyes.

CJ woke up later, facing Leo, their faces only a fraction of an inch away. She gently kissed him, and felt him twitch against her thigh in response.

With a smirk, she began to caress his chest, feeling him harden against her in his sleep.

Raising one leg CJ dropped it over his thigh, pulling him tighter against her.

Leo’s hand wandered to her backside and began to knead the muscles.

Lightly at first CJ kissed his earlobe, then sucked gently on the skin just beneath it. Working her way down his face she kissed every exposed inch of flesh. Her hands continued to tweak at his nipples causing his erection to rub against her thigh.

"Wakey wakey..." she purred, rubbing his erection with her thigh. Simultaneously, she nibbled on his earlobe and pinched his nipples -- HARD.

He jolted awake. "Jesus... CJ, what are you doing?" he spluttered as her hand reached down to stroke him

“Well if you don’t know by now, I’m definitely doing something wrong,“ she teased.

“CJ?”

“Step number two,” she whispered against his jawbone, “Morning sex is the best.”

"But it's not morning yet..." he protested.

"Yes it is," she said, pointing over his shoulder at the alarm clock. "It's 12:52."

He groaned. "Woman, you're gonna kill me..."

"Want me to play with another toy?" she purred. "I'm feeling reeeeeally frisky tonight."

“Depends what you have in mind,” he chuckled.

“Well, in that case Mr McGarry, why don’t you take a look in my drawer,” CJ drawled.

"I think I will," he laughed, getting up and heading for the dresser. He rooted through it, holding up various items. He burst out laughing and held up something. "Edible panties, CJ?"

"No panty lines at state dinners," she purred lazily. "Try the back right corner..."

"You have a whip?" he muttered, his fingers moving for the right corner. "What the hell, CJ?"

"I like to have fun," she chuckled. "Look in the upper right corner!"

"Holy crap," he moaned. "Are you kidding?"

"It's not my favorite, but it's a lot of fun," she purred.

"You're gonna have to take me to one of these shops of yours," he muttered. "You sure you want me to..."

"Leo, hand me the damn vibrator," she snapped.

Leo’s grin widened as he spotted something out of the corner of his eye. “You really want to make this interesting?” he asked, grabbing the object and holding it behind his back.

“Leo?” she whined before she stiffened at the sight of the pink fluffy handcuffs. “You wouldn’t?”

“You’re not the only one with a few tricks up their sleeve.”

"You wouldn't!" she protested again.

"I would." He grabbed for her wrist, but she pulled it out of reach.

"Don't even," she growled.

"You'll like it, I promise," he assured her. "And remember, I promised to be gentle."

"Yeah, so?"

"So... you'll enjoy it," he repeated.

CJ bit on her bottom lip and stared up at him, woefully. “Leo, I’ve never let…I mean I usually…” she quivered.

“So it will be a first,” Leo chuckled. “Step number three CJ gets to do things she’s never tried before.”

"Leo..."

"Just relax," he said softly, reaching for her wrist and pressing gentle kisses onto it. "I promise everything will be fine -- and if you're uncomfortable, I'll unlock them, I swear," he murmured against her skin.

Relaxing her wrist CJ swallowed hard as she felt slip the first cuff on. Lightly he tugged her towards the headboard, pausing to lightly kiss her mouth. Gently he brushed his lips along her other wrist before pinning that too.

“Okay?” he whispered, gazing in her eyes.

“I need to shift up a bit,” she admitted, allowing him to arrange the pillows. “That’s better.”

"You're comfortable?"

"Well, my arms are falling asleep already," she teased.

"Then we'll move you a little more," he said quietly, adjusting her position. "Is that better?"

"No -- you can let me go now."

"Nice try," he muttered, leaning down to nibble on her nipple. She groaned and strained into his mouth, and then he pulled back to blow cool air over her wet skin. She shivered and cried out wordlessly.

Leo replaced his lips with his thumb as he ran his fingertips down her sides and back across her stomach. “So is there anything else you haven’t tried?” he whispered, against her collarbone.

CJ threw her head back and lifted her hips in response.

"Ah, so there is something else you haven't tried," he said quietly, kissing his way down her stomach. "I'll have to find out what it is..."

"Leo," she moaned.

“Kitten?”

CJ blinked at him, “Did you just call me kitten?”

“Uh um,” he mumbled running his lips along her hipbone.

"Uh... I don't know what to say to that," she croaked. She moaned and arched her back as his lips lowered to trail down her thigh.

"Don't say anything," Leo whispered.

His fingers traced circles across her stomach as his mouth found the soft flesh of her thighs. Nuzzling and sucking Leo worked his way to her knee and back to the pelvic bone.

“I’m going to give you something your toys never can,” he bragged, looking up at her.

She arched an eyebrow. "Oh, really? What?"

He snorted. "If you can't guess by now..."

"I'd rather have you than the toys," she admitted, moaning.

Gently easing her legs apart and bending her knees Leo ran his fingers across her outer folds, grinning as she purred and writhed.

“Do you trust me completely?” Leo asks quietly.

"Completely?"

"Completely."

"I don't trust anyone completely," she groaned. "Not even me..."

“I trust you,” Leo whispered, kissing where his fingers had been. “And I want to blindfold you,“ he mumbled.

CJ went wide-eyed and said the first thing that came into her head, “So you can leave.”

"You think I'm going to leave?" Leo said softly.

"Yes."

"I suppose I can't make you believe otherwise, can I?" he sighed.

“Not yet, no,” she explained giving him a sad smile.

“In which case kitten,” he said huskily, “I’d better get back to making you feel good.”

"You seem awfully confident," CJ whispered as Leo's lips worked their way back up her thigh.

"Are you sure you don't want the blindfold?" he asked softly.

"You'll leave," she groaned.

"I promise I will not leave, Claudia," he said. "I am not like those other men."

“And you’ll tell me what you’re doing?” she pleaded.

“I’ll talk to you the whole time,” he promised, climbing off the bed and rummaging once more through her drawer. Selecting a silk scarf he made his way back over to the bed.

CJ gazed up at him, her eyes slightly fearful.

Very gently he kissed her mouth before he secured the scarf.

She bit her lip in trepidation. "Leo..."

"Shh..." he whispered. "I'm going to touch you, CJ, just touch you. I'm not going to do anything to hurt you..." He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her neck, then trailed kisses down to her collarbone. His hands roamed over her torso, fingers touching everywhere, finding their pleasure over her breasts.

CJ moaned and raised her chest to his lips. Whimpering as he took each breast in his mouth and sucked on it hungrily

“Leo?”

“Um.”

“There’s ice cream in the freezer,” she suggested between whimpers.

"What kind?"

"Does it..." She gasped and shuddered beneath him. "Does it really matter?" she croaked.

"I don't want to use something with chunks in it."

She choked. "It's... vanilla..."

Leo nibbled on the underside of the breast as he climbed off the bed. “I may be a minute,” he called as he crossed the room. His voice continued to call out to her as he walked through the house searching for a spoon.

“Of course what we really need is chocolate sauce.”

She groaned. "If you'd let me go, I could show you a great use for magic shell ice cream topping," she called.

"Nice try," Leo laughed, coming back into the room with a container of ice cream and a spoon.

"You can't blame a girl for trying..."

Leo placed the carton on the bedside table and tossed the lid on the floor.

“What are you doing?” CJ asked, biting her inside cheek.

She gasped when a dollop of cold hit her breast. “Jesus.” A second followed, followed by one on her stomach. CJ yelped with each dollop and Leo grinned in satisfaction.

"Holy mother of God," she moaned. "My... my sheets are... wow," she hissed as his lips began to lick up the ice cream. "Wowwwwww...."

"Shh," he whispered, moving to the other breast.

“You know I could always return the favour,” CJ groaned, “except I’m tied up.”

Leo lifted his head and smirked. “Don’t worry you will.” Moving to his knees he spread a spoonful of vanilla on the tip of his shaft and straggled her stomach.

"What are you doing?" she gasped, moaning.

"Now that, I cannot tell you," he growled, leaning down to nibble on her neck.

Leo ran his forefinger across her lips and CJ opened her mouth to suck it in. Gently he pulled it out and plunged back in again. The second time he removed his finger he brushed his wet tip along her lower lip.

She groaned and arched her hips, trying to sit up to taste him. "Son of a bitch," she croaked when he pulled back just out of her reach. "I'm gonna lose it here," she moaned as he slid down her body.

“That was the aim,” Leo chuckled. His tongue lapped at the mess that was now running down her sides and he reached for the carton. Using his hands he began to scoop out the ice cream and smear it across her body.

As his hands brushed against her nipples CJ moaned and tried to close her legs. Leo pushed his knee between her thighs before she could create any friction. CJ groaned.

"You're supposed to be behaving yourself, young lady," Leo chuckled. "You don't want me to have to spank you."

"Oh, please do," CJ begged, moaning and shivering. "Or fuck me, or something... I'm going insane..."

Leo continued to spread the melting mess over her upper body, taking time to tease at all of the areas that made her whimper. As he teased at her breasts with one hand the other dived between her legs and brushed against her opening.

"Oh God," she moaned, arching. "I want to... I want to see you," she gasped as he slowly circled her clit with his thumb. Her breathing became labored as he slowed the circles, then sped them up again.

"I'm afraid that's not possible," he whispered.

“I’m going off you,” she whined.

Leo laughed and pressed his head at her opening. CJ pushed down against him but he pulled back. “Patience.” Without hesitation he slipped a finger deep inside her and increased the friction of his thumb. CJ clenched around him as her thighs spasmed and she felt the first wave of orgasm overtake her.

"You..." she gasped, feeling her body suck his finger deeper. "Bastard..." she croaked as she slammed into her climax.

"You might want to rephrase that," he said, curling his finger within her.

"Take the blindfold off," she insisted, arching her back.

“In a minute,” he promised, increasing his motions inside her. “There’s something I really want to do.”

"What?" she gasped, beginning to clench around him again. "Tor...ture... me?"

"Maybe, maybe not..."

“Leo?”

“Take a deep breath,” he warned, sliding his finger from her and heaping the spoon with ice cream.

“Why…?” she begged, then screamed as he parted her folds with his fingers and dropped the spoonful onto her opening.

Bracing himself on one elbow Leo lowered his head and ran his tongue against her clit.

The noises escaping her throat were indescribably erotic, Leo managed to note as he continued pleasuring her. She came three times in rapid succession, and then he finally let up.

"What do you want me to do?" he asked. All he got in reply was ragged breathing and a tired moan.

“Well I might have a little sleep then,” he yawned, sliding up her body. “Wake me when it’s my turn.”

She whimpered. "You... you can't leave me like this," she said, her breathing getting erratic. "You'll leave me here..."

"He reached up and gently stroked her cheek. "I was just kidding, kitten," he said softly. "Are you all right?"

“I can’t feel my fingers,” she muttered.

“Jesus, I’m sorry,” he apologized, “Where do you keep the keys?”

“The dish on the window seal.”

Leo climbed off the bed and retrieved the keys. In a few seconds he had her free and was untying the scarf from behind her head.

“Are you okay now?” he asked caressing her wrists.

She nodded. "Except I'm all sticky," she laughed. "And horny."

"After everything we've done tonight... you're still..."

"I'm not going to be able to walk tomorrow, but it's worth it," she said, standing up shakily. "I'm gonna go take a shower." She smirked. "You can come if you like..."

As she stood and walked across the room Leo’s eyes fixed on the sway of her hips and her long limbs gliding effortlessly. He rolled over on the bed and cringed when he stuck to the sheets. He face broke into a grin and he grabbed the half empty container of vanilla and tipped it over his chest and stomach.

Swaggering he headed after her.

CJ was stood against the wall waiting for the water to reach the optimum temperature when he entered the bathroom.

CJ yawned and didn't hear him come in. She stepped forward and into the shower spray, wetting herself down entirely.

Leo pulled the shower curtain back and she jumped, hitting her head on the showerhead. "LEO!" she yelped.

"Did I scare you?"

"Startled me," she corrected.

"I'm messy."

CJ’s eyes roamed across his body, noting first the stickiness of his chest and then they settled on his obvious state of arousal.

Leo glanced down and grinned, “Maybe a cold shower would be more appropriate.”

"A cold shower actually makes it worse," CJ quipped dryly. "You ever had sex in a shower?"

"Nope, first time."

"I'll make it easy, then..." she chuckled, balancing herself on the edge of the tub and leaning back against the wall. "Just hop over and plug away," she invited with a grin.

Leo’s eyes sparkled with desire while his face went a funny shade of pink at her comment. “Uh, CJ…,” he stammered, “I…that is to say…the logistics…”

CJ shook her head and tugged at his hands. “It’s no different than lying down, you just need to hold on tighter.”

"Yeah, but..."

"Get in here," she sighed in exasperation. "I'm the one that has to do the tricks here -- just fuck me, will ya?"

"You're awfully bossy all of a sudden..."

"You want me to go to that thing with you or not?"

“Yeah,” he nodded enthusiastically.

“What play is it anyway?” she asked, wrapping one leg around his hip and gripping his shoulder.

Leo looked a little sheepish, “King Lear.”

CJ laughed, “You think she’s trying to tell you something?” Her fingers stroked at his chest as she kissed him on the nose. “Well don’t worry I’ll give her something else to think about,” CJ purred.

"CJ!" he gasped.

"Oh shut up," she laughed. "I can think of better things for you to do with your mouth... And, by the way, you still aren't inside me..."

Leo sighed and clasped her hip, balancing himself while he guided himself to her opening. He smirked up at her as he rolled his hips, rubbing softly against her clit as she tried to press against him. “Leo?”

Bracing himself on her other hip he thrust his hips and groaned as his slick erection slid deep.

She inhaled sharply, then exhaled, careful to keep her back pressed against the wall. "Is that the best you can do?" she laughed breathlessly.

"Don't try that on me again," he grunted.

“Or you’ll what?”

In one fluid movement Leo grabbed her leg and draped it over his other hip. “You really want to be fucked?”

“God yes, “CJ groaned, tightening her grip around his waist. “And I want you to give it me.”

"You are insatiable," Leo sighed.

"Your point is what?" she moaned, rocking against him, intent on having him deeper. She wanted to feel him all through her.

“That I have never met a woman quite like you,” he says confidently, thinking back to the only other woman who left him begging for more.

It was only then that he pulled her forward from the wall and began to find his rhythm. Leo rocked his hips and slid her legs higher up his back until he could feel her shuddering in his arms.

Her hips lurched forward and she lost her balance as she came, dragging Leo down to the floor of the tub with her.

He came just before they hit the floor, and CJ began giggling uncontrollably.

"What's so funny?" he growled, his head propped up on the edge of the tub.

"Is this the cosmic way of saying we're not supposed to be together?" she laughed.

“It’s nature’s way of telling us to stick to the bedroom,” he grumbled, lifting her off him and standing. More softly he asked, “Do you want me to wash your back before we go to sleep?”

CJ watched as Leo grabbed the soap and scrubbed at his chest. Something was definitely bugging him but she had no idea what. The only thing that came to mind was that he was regretting the arrangement. Sighing CJ promised after the play she would allow him to walk away gracefully.

The End