CJ walked home, thinking about John Hoynes and the enigma that he was. He as much as gave her the impression he wasn’t ready for a relationship with anyone and yet he had approached her almost nervously. They weren’t two people who would under any circumstances become friends and she was ashamed about that. If anything she had been quite cruel to him. Of course what was working its way through her brain was crazy, stupid and more than likely going to leave her embarrassed: had she been there before, of course; could she bounce back of course, so what was stopping her?

Someone had been into the cabin and cleared the breakfast things and glasses. When she went to turn the shower on new towels hung over the rail.

Leaving the water to heat up she went into the wardrobe and searched through the rails, looking for something to wear, eventually she pulled out a wrap around skirt and off the shoulder top. Laying them on the bed she shed her clothes and climbed under the spray.

Half an hour later she stepped out, her legs smooth, and her hair smelling of freesias. It took another thirty minutes before she was dressed and ready to leave. The Vice President’s Cabin was down the hill on the right, she had made sure to check, and as the marine on duty had informed her there was a permanent agent on guard. She walked slowly, mentally preparing her speech, and trying not to end up on her face.

The Marine had been right; a guard sat on the porch, casting glances around the property. He looked up as he heard her approaching, and smiled fleetingly when he realised that she posed no threat.

CJ nodded and smiled back. “Is the Vice President in?” she asked, sub-consciously rubbing her hands together.

“Yes ma’am,” the agent replied, “Do you want me to knock?”

“I can manage, thank you,” CJ took another breath and knocked.

Time seemed to drag as she waited for him to answer, debating whether to knock again or not. She was about to rap when the door opened and he stood before her. CJ gasped and she could swear he blushed.

“CJ?”

CJ couldn’t help herself as she looked him up and down, his lower body wrapped in a white towel, his upper torso, bare, his muscles well defined. Her eyes continued upwards as he dried his hair with a towel.

“I’m sorry,” she swallowed, trying to maintain eye contact. Her hands moved in the air as she stuttered, “I should go.”

As if for the first time he noted his own appearance and smiled, “Take a seat, keep David company, I won’t be a minute.”

CJ was torn between feelings of warmth coursing through her veins and the need to put some distance between them. She found herself perching on the step.

“Will you be staying for dinner?” David asked, his mouth hovering over his wrist.

She shrugged, “I don’t know.”

“Copy that. Inform the kitchen, dinner for two.”

CJ stared at her hands and closed her eyes, her perfect little apology out the window.

John stood in the bathroom, bemused by what was happening. He couldn’t help but notice how her nipples hardened as she stared at him, and he also noted the clingy skirt. He only hoped that the towel had discreetly covered his interest in her. It had been twenty-two years since he had been on a date, and right now he felt more nervous than any speech he had given. As he brushed his hair and cleaned his teeth he couldn’t stop smiling. His mind was telling him it was still too soon, that this was exactly what he shouldn’t be doing, unfortunately his body was willing. Just maybe CJ was the right person to be dangling his feet with; it wasn’t as if she would be shouting it from the rooftops. He actually found himself fretting as he searched for a shirt and a pair of pants.

Ten minutes later he headed back out to the porch, doubting she would still be there.

CJ stood when she heard him, a course of habit and the effect he was having on her of late.

“Sorry to keep you,” he said politely. “Come in.”

CJ stepped over the threshold and shivered as he closed the door behind her.

“As you can see, they’re all alike,” he babbled. “When they refurbished they added second bedrooms and baths to each one.”

“John, do I make you nervous?” she asked, biting her lip.

“Yes.”

CJ smiled and almost squeezed his arm, a habit she had acquired with all her boys. She stopped herself in time. “You shouldn’t be. I came to apologise.” She paused. “I was rude earlier, and I shouldn’t have been.”

John motioned for her to take the couch as he riffled through the fridge, “Water or Cider?”

“Water.” CJ watched as he poured two glasses of water and dropped in ice. “You don’t drink.”

He handed her a glass, “No,” and took the chair.

“After last night I may join you,” she laughed.

He waited a beat before he spoke, “You have to put that behind you. We all do things we wish we hadn’t.”

CJ appraised him a second, “And what do you wish you hadn’t done?”

John lowered his glass and rubbed his chin. “CJ, there is a long list. Much of which you don’t want to hear.”

John fell silent and CJ felt compelled to fill the silence, “So what’s for dinner?”

He shrugged, “I’m not sure, would you care to join me?”

“David has taken care of that.”

“Right.” He glanced at her legs and back at her eyes.

CJ crossed her legs so that the skirt fell slight open to reveal her long legs. His eyes, she noted, returned to gazing at them.

“Do you want to go for a walk?” CJ asked, tucking her hair behind her ears, “Would that make you more comfortable?”

“Quite honestly no, and David would have to come.”

“ ‘kay, tell me about yourself, something I wouldn’t know from your press releases,” she pressed.

John contemplated for a second and then found himself telling her all about his family, his marriage and his school days, while she leaned forward in her chair, listening intently and asking questions now and again. They lapsed into silence again as dinner arrived, waiting for the stewards to leave before he asked her about herself. Neither noticed what it was they were eating as they became lost in the conversation. CJ, he found was funny and quite happy to laugh at her own expense, John, she found was honest and charming. Dinner over he suggested they move back to the couch to talk.

“Coffee?”

“No, it means we get crowded,” she stated.

“You want me all to yourself?” he asked, smugly.

CJ shot him the look she gave the boys when she thought they had overstepped the mark.

“What if I admitted I was enjoying spending time with you?” he asked, coyly.

“I’d say you have great taste,” she laughed. “I’ve had a great time too.”

“You make it sound like it’s time to end?” he commented, solemnly.

CJ lowered her eyes to her hands twisting in her lap, “Only if you want it too.”

John toed out of his shoes and crossed the room to the couch. Sitting as close as he dare he tucked his feet under him and turned to face her.

“So what does CJ Cregg want from her life?” he asked, his eyes penetrating her.

“Right now to get outta these shoes,” she muttered, kicking them away and crossing her legs. John’s eyes dropped to her newly exposed calves and he swallowed hard.

CJ wriggled to get comfortable and the skirt shifted to reveal a thigh. John leaned forward involuntarily and CJ ran her fingers across the smooth skin.

“Are you doing that deliberately?” John asked, wondering if someone had turned up the heat.

CJ ran her finger across her lips, “Why would I do that?”

“Because you know you have an effect on men,” he muttered huskily.

“Bruno told me I have a killer body,” she stated matter of factly.

John allowed his eyes to wander up her body and back down again.

“I haven’t done this in an awfully long time CJ. It’s hard to make new friends in this business, especially when you have to be careful that a comment is not misconstrued.”

“So you want to be friends?” she said, her voice toneless.

He rubbed his palms together, “I thought we’d already got that far.”

“So what do you want, John?” She drew his name out, practically purring. Two days ago she hated all the guy stood for, now she was practically throwing herself at him.

His answer was silence.

“Okay, now maybe I should go,” she muttered, picking her shoes up in one hand and mentally cursing herself for overstepping the mark. CJ made it as far as the door when she heard him get up. She stopped and waited.

His voice when it came was low and unassured, “I’d like a goodnight kiss.”

CJ turned to look at him, and found herself looking into deep blue eyes, filled with shyness.

“John?”

“You talk too much,” he commented as he took her face in his hands and closed his eyes.

CJ inched herself closer, gently feeling for his shirt and holding on as his lips sought hers. The kiss was soft and tender, his lips barely grazing hers before he pulled back. “I’d like to do that again,” he whispered, asking permission.

CJ nodded and moved her hands further up his back as his lips pressed against hers, the kiss deepening. In the seconds he caressed her lips she realised he was a passionate man, so when he pulled back a second time she initiated a kiss. CJ’s hands found their way to his shoulders as she parted her lips and her tongue dampened the swollen flesh. When she kissed him her tongue explored his lips, forcing him to allow her entry to his mouth. Once inside he relaxed and let her guide the kiss, her gentle exploration of his mouth invoking a moan from deep inside him.

CJ pulled away quickly. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have pushed,” she muttered, her face flushed.

“CJ, do you hear me complaining?”

She lowered her gaze and his hands lifted her face, “Because I’m not. But I do think I should walk you back.”

CJ’s hesitant voice spoke, “I’ll be fine.”

He shook his head and took her hand in his, “I’m going to walk you back, we can’t have you getting lost again.”

As they left his cabin David fell into step behind them and CJ tried to extract her hand to no avail.

“What you don’t want to be seen with me now?” he teased.

CJ glared at him, and motioned with her head.

“Ah, David’s fine. If he sees you try and take me down he’ll intervene,” he laughed.

CJ shook her head and entwined her fingers with his, a quiet evoking them both. When they reached her accommodations they stopped and he took her other hand.

“Don’t be offended but I’m not ready to take this any further. I’ve enjoyed tonight, and that’s unexpected,” he paused, “so I’m going to kiss you on the cheek and leave, okay?”

CJ grinned, “Frightened the President might catch you?” The relationship had changed dramatically.

John pretended to glance in all directions before he placed a light kiss on her cheek.

“Good night CJ.”

“Night John,” she said, closing her door, knowing tonight she wouldn’t be getting much sleep.

CJ woke around dawn on Sunday morning and lay on the bed staring at the ceiling. Her dreams, very vivid dreams, had been of the Vice President and she was sure she was still smiling. He had said nothing last night about what happens next but she knew it was what she wanted.

When there was a knock at the door she padded lightly to answer it, her satin short pyjamas, clinging to her curves. Opening the door she gasped when she saw who it was.

“Good morning,” he said, eyebrows raised. “Very nice.”

“John, uh, what are you doing here?” she stammered.

“I think it should be me who’s speechless, not you,” he smirked.

CJ squatted him across the arm and peeked out of the door to find an agent grinning inanely.

“You’d better come in,” she muttered, turning and walking away.

John followed, closing the door behind him, and leaning against it.

“Oh, will you stop it,” she chided, watching him her hands on hips.

His face crinkled up even more in amusement as her shorts rode up her thighs.

“I’m going to get changed.”

“Can I watch?” He asked, head on hand.

CJ shot him a look in challenge.

“Okay, I’ll just sit here on the couch like a good boy,” he stated.

“You’re learning,” she called over her shoulder.

When she returned a few minutes later she was wearing a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, and perched on the arm of the chair.

“So to what do I owe this pleasure at the crack of dawn?” CJ asked, still a little sleepy.

“I thought we could take a walk, maybe a swim then have breakfast together,” he smiled.

“And the President?” CJ asked.

“Left a message not to be disturbed.”

“I didn’t bring my swimsuit,” she purred.

John flushed crimson and looked at his feet, “Well, that’s just fine.”

“Good job Carol did, then, isn’t it.” She thought she saw him shake his head. “Come on, let’s go.”

It was no surprise to her that as soon as they stepped outside he took her hand and held onto it tightly.

They walked for an hour, exploring the various paths and finding themselves back on the bridle path more than once. The conversation flowed easily as he told her all about his wife, and she eventually explained all about Toby. As they headed back up the side of the mountain to the cabins he began to talk about the future for the first time.

“If we win in November I’m going to run in four years,” he stated firmly.

“Was there any doubt of that?” she asked, smiling.

He looked across at her, “Yeah, I know, with my ego, of course I was going to run.”

CJ laughed, “At least they don’t think you’re arrogant.”

“Josh is arrogant,” he rebuked. “Anyway, right now my sister plays escort, but I’ve been waiting for the big question.”

“When you’re going to marry again?”

“Yeah, so far the media’s been pretty respectful. Sooner or later, when I announce my candidacy, if not before, they’re gonna want to know.”

CJ squeezed his hand, “It’s none of their business. Which coming from me sounds a little strange. Get the right team behind you and it can be a non-story.”

John sighed and stopped, “Nice idea except it will never work. I am going to date, maybe I will want to get married, but would you want to throw someone into the middle of all this?” He asked staring into the distance.

CJ extracted her hand and moved away from him, “You don’t need to rush it, you can wait for the right person and ease her in gently.”

So, he thought, she doesn’t want to be the one. Taking the few steps to join her, he elbowed her and said, “Hurry up, I want breakfast,” just as he ran off into the distance.

CJ watched him go, wondering exactly what just took place, before she jogged after him.

When she caught up he was leaning against the cabin, looking far too relaxed and nowhere near as out of breath as she was. CJ bent over and tried to regain her breath as he looked on.

“You’re out of shape,” he commented.

CJ shot him a death glare out of the corner of her eye.

He held his hands up in surrender, “I was just saying, maybe you should come jogging with me more often.”

“So you can sprint off and desert me?”

He noted the slightly miffed quality in her voice and sighed, “No, so we can talk. I’m going to take a shower, help yourself. There’s food inside.”

CJ’s head shot up and her eyes glinted, “Help myself? You should watch your inflections.”

“What?” he asked, perplexed.

“I’m having a shower, help yourself. I could take that to mean come join me,” she explained.

John looked at her for the longest second, torn between rebuking her and challenging her. In the end sense lost. “You wouldn’t be able to handle it,” he growled.

Fleetingly she thought of playing him at his own game but decided that there was already too much electricity in the room.

John smiled and headed into the bathroom.

A few seconds later she heard the water running and the sound of humming. Looking between the table of food and coffee and the open bedroom door she made a decision. Checking that the cabin door was locked she eased herself out of her sneakers and jeans and walked into the bedroom. The bathroom door was a jar and she could see his outline through the curtain. Smiling to herself, she realised she was pushing it but if he had truly accepted her as a friend, he wouldn’t be that surprised. Slowly she pushed open the door and stepped into the room, nibbling her bottom lip as she went.

“So John, how you got a spare pair of sweats I can borrow?” she asked, her voice a high pitch squeak.

His head appeared around the shower curtain and he brushed his hair back with his hand.

“What happened to the jeans?” he asked, his voice shaky, as he looked down at her legs.

“They were a little uncomfortable,” she acknowledged, “So can I borrow a pair?”

“And you couldn’t have called from the bedroom?”

“Nah, I wanted to see what reaction I’d get.”

John’s arm snaked out from behind the curtain, grasped her arm and tugged her towards him. Losing her balance CJ ended up in the cubicle, his arms around her waist as he held her against him.

“Is that reaction enough for you?” he teased.

“JOHN!” she yelped, as she felt him hard against her thigh, his body slick from the spray.

“I may be out of practice but I’m a man, for gods sake,” he growled, his hands sliding up her back to turn her face towards him. The kiss that followed was deep and left her breathless.

As his hands moved back down her body, he held her away from him and whispered, “No bra CJ, had this all planned did you?”

CJ grinned at him and slicked her hair back off her face before she lowered her hands to her hem and lifted the t-shirt over her head.

John’s eyes wandered downwards to the deep red aureoles, his breath catching as droplets of water fell onto her skin.

He didn’t react in time and her arms were around his neck, pulling him down to her face. Her tongue darted out forcing him to part his lips and allow her entry. There was no handing over of control as his tongue, tangled with hers, reaching deep into the recesses of her mouth. His hands were cupping her backside, holding her against his erection, with only the satin panties between them. The spray continued to cover them as they continue to embrace. Eventually he pulled back,

“Wow.”

“Yeah, are you okay?” she asked, gently caressing his chest, her fingers playing with the dark hairs.

He grinned down at her, “I think I could get used to this. These aren’t leaving much to the imagination,” he muttered twanging the knicker elastic.

“No, I suppose they’re not,” she said, her hands pushing the thin fabric down her hips and kicking them across the room. “So are you going to wash my back?”

His face fell for a second, “CJ, I…”

“John,” she offered tenderly, pressing her fingers to his lips, “I’m not suggesting we take this any further. Take your time.”

He looked at her in relief and turned her body so he had her back against his chest. Lathering up his fingers he began to outline her torso, gently soaping her all over, his fingers grazing across her breasts and stomach, eliciting gentle moans from CJ. As his fingers went lower he stilled them and she took the soap and washed herself. That done she turned around and pushed him against the wall, giving her better access to the spray. John watched her eyes wide as the soap ran off her body, and her fingers rubbed against her own skin. It seemed so natural to be watching her like this and yet something held him back from moving on.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, smiling as she reached for a towel and wrapped it around herself.

She looked back with a glint in her eye then leaned behind him to turn the faucet. He jumped as the cold water hit his body.

“Hey.”

“You looked like you could do with a cold shower,” she said flatly, her eyes gravitating to his groin.

“Can I help myself to clothes?”

“Go.”

CJ waggled her hips and left the bathroom. John allowed the cold spray to rush across his body, his mind racing at the effect she seemed to be having on him.

When he entered the living room CJ sat at the table eating Danishes and reading the paper. She looked up and smiled, indicating the table of food.

“Isn’t this what Sunday mornings should be for?”

He had to admit it was something he could quite get used to.

“So what do you want to do now?” John asked draining the dregs of coffee from his cup.

CJ looked up from the lifestyle section of the paper, “Can you ride?”

He raised his eyebrows, “I come from Texas, I lived on a ranch until I was seventeen, what do you think?”

“I meant cycling, but I’m up for anything,” she giggled.

John shook his head, “I’ll file that piece of information away for later. So, shall I get Jack to saddle up some horses?”

“No galloping, just a gentle cantor,” she instructed.

John stuck his head out of the door and ordered his agent to organise the horses. Turning back to CJ he asked, “Do you need to change?”

She looked down at his sweats and shirt, “Yeah, give me ten minutes.” Standing she gathered the rest of her clothes and headed for her cabin. As she passed him he reached up and pulled her in for a kiss.

CJ beamed and took the short walk across the estate.

Less than ten minutes later she looked out of the window to find him astride a big dark stallion, looking very at home. Opening the door she stepped out on to the porch and appraised the second horse.

“Is he gentle?” she asked hesitantly.

“Please don’t tell me CJ Cregg is scared of a horse,” he teased.

CJ glared at him and he dismounted, coming around to stand next to her.

“Are you really frightened?” he asked, patting the animal’s nose.

She nodded and bit her lip.

“In that case why don’t you ride with me,” John suggested. “I’ll hold the reins and we can take it slowly.” He didn’t mention the fact that he quite liked the idea of having her up against him, especially in the outfit she was wearing.

CJ gave him one of her biggest grins and allowed him to hoist her up. Assured she was comfortable he pulled himself up behind her.

“Here hold the mane,” he whispered against her ear, “I’ll have an arm either side of you, it will be fine.”

They rode for about an hour, chatting inconsequentially as she held on for dear life. The shorts, she realised early on, were a big mistake, chaffing her thighs, but his hands gently stroking across them more than made up for it.

 John was enjoying himself, from his position he could rest his hands on the smooth skin of her thighs, and rest his head against her shoulder as he talked. He longed for the moment when they could lose the agent and be alone. CJ was the opposite of Catherine, Catherine was an accomplished rider, mother and homemaker but people frightened her, CJ was defiantly outgoing. Gently he brushed his lips against her shoulder, and smiled when her hand came up and brushed her hair out of the way. He lightly began to place kisses up her shoulder and up her throat.

“John?” came a strangulated cry.

“Um?” he mumbled against her skin.

“Can we get off for a while, maybe walk?” she asked softly, wanting to develop the kiss and not have to worry about the horse.

“Sure,” he pulled the reins up and the horse came to a halt. Sliding down he landed firmly on the ground. Reaching his arms up he indicated she should dismount.

CJ turned and leapt towards him. He caught her in his arms and tumbled backwards, her falling on top of him.

He caught Jack rushing towards him, out of the corner of his eye, and put his palm out flat to warn him off.

Jack grabbed the animal by the reins and walked off a short distance.

CJ looked down at John, blushing, and trying to get up. He held onto her firmly, his hands stroking along her undulating back, his pelvis pressing against her. CJ could feel his heart beating against her and see something in his eyes. Slowly but firmly she pushed herself off and took two steps away.

“CJ?” he whispered, getting up and dusting himself off. “What did I do?”

“Nothing, you did nothing,” she assured him, taking deep breaths.

“You’re upset, did I overstep the mark?”

CJ shook her head, not knowing what to say. The ride had stimulated her in ways no man had and she could feel the dampness against her thighs as he held her and stared. “Maybe we should just walk a little.”

As she started to head away from him he turned and headed in the opposite direction. CJ spun around and called back to him, “John?”

He stopped but didn’t turn to face her, “You obviously need to be alone, think about this. Maybe we could meet up later?” He enquired quietly.

“I don’t want to be alone,” she practically shouted, earning herself a grin from the agent. CJ glared at him and started to walk towards John.

“Be honest with me,” he demanded back. If it was a mistake he needed to know before he lost himself completely.

Standing behind him she allowed herself a sharp intake of breath before she whispered, “I wanted to make love to you.”

As he turned and stared at her she blushed. Waving her hands about to emphasise her point she added, “The ride, the kisses, the look in your eyes,” she shrugged, “God, do you realise how damn sexy, you are?”

“I’ve been told,” he replied flatly, no hint of the smugness she usually associated with him.

“Well, that’s why. I’m not going to push you into something you’re not ready for. But in all fairness I should tell you, down there on the ground I could have screwed your brains out.”

His jaw dropped at the candidness of her admission.

“Whoops, did I actually say that?”

He gave her a brief smile, “Oh yeah, you said it. Not a good idea for me to kiss you.”

“Not unless you want to unleash a mad woman.”

He laughed, “Walk, it is then.” He took her hand and led her gently back up the mountain.

As they walked in silence, thinking about the developing relationship, neither noticed the couple walking the brow of the hill, carrying binoculars.

“I don’t believe it,” he muttered.

“What, Jed? Let me see,” Abbey demanded snatching the binoculars and focusing. “Ha, told you it would work.”

“Abigail, you’ve fixed my Press Secretary up with John Hoynes,” he whined.

Abbey shook her head and smiled, “She’ll be good for him. He needs to move on with his life, and she’s a vibrant woman.”

“I’m going to have World War Three in the West Wing. You can be the one to tell Leo,” he whinged.

Abbey’s head spun around, “Neither of us is going to tell Leo. It’s their secret until they decide to go public.”

“He’s not going to go public. Hoynes wants the Presidency, he’s not going to allow a fling to stop him.”

Abbey grinned back at him, “You don’t get it, do you?” She shook her head and tutted. “CJ won’t be a fling, if he’s pursuing a relationship with her it’s going to be serious, she’s going to be his First Lady.”

“Abbey, you’re jumping the gun a little there,” Jed said, seriously.

“You wait and see, I’m right. Try and be nice to him over dinner dear, he’s going to be part of the family.”

She laughed as Jed pouted and sulked.

As they got closer to the buildings John spotted the First Couple heading right towards them.

“CJ,” he whispered, “We have company.”

CJ turned her head and immediately dropped his hand.

“Hey, don’t you want to be seen with me?” he whined.

“Trust me, you don’t want to do this right now.” She plastered a smile on her face, “Mr President, Abbey.”

“CJ, John, enjoying the afternoon?” Abbey asked, grinning.

CJ scowled in return, “John and I went for a ride.”

Abbey raised one eyebrow.

“So, what are you two doing for the rest of the afternoon?” Jed asked breaking the silent conversation his wife and CJ were holding.

John shook his head, “Nothing Sir.”

“Excellent,” Jed announced, rubbing his hands together and smiling, “We can sit and watch a movie, Love Story, I believe.” Placing an arm around CJ he led them all back towards the lodge.

Abbey gave John a silent smile and a small shrug.

Two and a half hours later the President was quizzing them all about the movie and detailing the making of it.

John was quietly amused, leaning back in the armchair and watching CJ feigning interest and rolling her eyes. Abbey was curled up in a ball against her husband, trying to pretend she wasn’t watching CJ. It became apparent to John then that if he and CJ decided this was worth pursuing this was going to be his life, these were some of the people he would have to learn to like, not that he didn’t like Abbey . And the President would be okay if he shut up occasionally.

 John sighed and they all turned to look at him. “Sorry, it’s all this inactivity, it’s making me tired,” he acknowledged.

“Perhaps you should take a nap before dinner,” Jed suggested then glanced at CJ, “CJ and I can play chess.”

“I don’t play Sir.”

He looked at Abbey and gave her a ‘help me’ look. She shrugged, “Why don’t the two of you go for a swim or a sauna or SOMETHING?” she said, indicating to everyone what she thought the something should me.

“Abigail,” Jed squeaked.

“Supper is a cold platter, Dumpling. We can eat anytime,” she muttered, playing with her ear.

“Oh?” he exclaimed, fidgeting with his hands and looking at his guests.

“John, we should leave them to it.”

Jed raised his eyebrows at the use of first names, and shook his head when he caught his wife grinning inanely.

Abbey stood up and walked towards the stairs, “Are you coming Jed?”

He jumped up and followed, “Marine One is coming at seven in the morning,” he called over his shoulder. Right before he practically ran up the stairs after Abbey.

“I’m guessing they know,” John laughed, giving CJ his hand to help her up.

She smiled back, “They won’t say anything. Well, now that they’re occupied how do you want to spend the evening?”

They finally decided on a swim as they walked back to their cabins. Every few feet John would stop and kiss her, his hands constantly moving from her hands to her hair to her back.

When they reached her cabin CJ went inside to find her swimsuit.

John dismissed the agent and stepped into the lounge, locking the door behind him. Deciding it was time for him to have a little fun he pulled the T-shirt over his head and dropped it on the floor. Crossing the room he leaned on the doorframe and watched as she riffled through her clothes looking for the elusive item.

Eventually sensing his presence CJ looked up, and went eyes wide. “John?”

“I thought it was a little warm still for a swim.”

CJ’s eyes were drawn to his chest, and she swallowed as she remembered the shower earlier, the feeling of his body, wet and pressed up against her. Her body made an involuntary shudder. “Maybe we could sit on the porch?” she suggested.

John sat on the edge of the bed and kicked off his shoes, bending down to remove his socks. “I’m just getting comfortable.”

CJ let out a sigh, and mumbled, “Two can play at this game.” Her sneakers landed with a thud in the corner.

John leaned back on the bed and watched as she struggled to figure him out. He still wasn’t sure how far he could take this but if he didn’t at least take the first step he never would.

At the smug grin on his face CJ pushed the bag to the floor and crawled across the bed towards him.

John’s eyes fell to her pert breasts, as she stretched back on the bed.

“Do you mind if I get out of these shorts?” she asked, unwilling to make him uncomfortable.

He waved his hands in a ‘be my guest’ gesture.

CJ lifted her hips off the bed and releasing the fly of the cotton shorts, pushed them over her thighs and down her legs, finally dropping them to the side of the bed. That done she rolled over on to her stomach and nudged him with her foot.

“How are you with your hands?”

John traced the outline of her body with his eyes as he contemplated his answer, “Probably not as good as you are with yours.”

CJ rolled over, “What you mean is, you’d like me to massage your back.”

“I must admit I’m a little tense,” he complained.

“Head on the pillow and roll onto your stomach,” she ordered.

CJ straggled his thighs, settling herself at the base of his pelvis. Slowly at first she began kneading his shoulders with her hands. Her thumbs pressed circles against his spine as she worked her way down his back, massaging his well defined muscles.

 John closed his eyes and sighed in contentment.

CJ worked her way down to the waistband of his jeans and allowing herself a little satisfaction she ran her fingers along the inside. John didn’t move. Firmly she slid her palms back up to his shoulders and began to massage her way back down. Gently CJ leaned in and kissed his shoulder blades. John arched slightly at her touch so CJ followed her hands with light kisses, his moans her guide. As before when she reached the top of his jeans she slid her fingers down and pressed against his cheeks.

“You know if it’s easier I can take them off,” John offered, happily.

CJ moved her fingers back up his spine. “Only if you want.”

John lifted his hips off of the bed and unzipped his jeans.

CJ slipped off and waited as his jeans slid down his legs. The jeans hung off his feet. CJ pulled them off and tossed them on the floor. Shifting to sit beside him CJ placed a hand at either ankle and started to stroke his leg muscles. By the time she reached his knees he was so still and quiet she thought he was asleep.

John lay still on the bed, enjoying the attention she was lavishing on him. Her hands were firm but gentle and he could feel all the tension draining out of his body. Taking off his jeans he realised was a risky movement but they were cutting off his circulation. He hoped she was going to stop soon, because he wasn’t sure how much more he could take.

CJ moved up the bed and made herself a space next to John, gently she eased herself against him. Lightly she rested her arm across his back. It felt right, so right, just to lie there. She promised herself she wouldn’t indulge for long, and if he stirred she’d let go. As she closed her eyes, her hand clung tightly to him.

John smiled beside her, waiting until he heard her breathing change before he turned over to face her. Watching her sleep was so intimate, her eyelids moving in REM, as she dreamt. He allowed himself to stroke her hair off her face. Her nose wrinkled as a stray hair brushed it. That was the moment he realised he’d fallen for her. He lightly ran his fingers down her back, an overwhelming urge to pull her closer to him, instead he kissed her forehead.

CJ moaned in her sleep and he pressed his lips against her cheek. She rolled on to her back. The temptation became to much and he ran his fingers from her shoulder, across her breasts to her stomach, toying with the hem of her vest. John edged the fabric up her stomach and waited for signs of her stirring. She didn’t move, nor when he traced circles across her flat stomach. His hand moved of it’s own accord, sliding under the fabric to stroke the underside of her breast.

CJ’s eyelids fluttered open, “John?”

“Hey, I thought you were asleep.”

John pressed his lips to hers, “I was enjoying myself.”

“And now?” she asked softly gazing up into his eyes.

“I think I want to make love with you,” he whispered as his lips sought hers once more.

“John,” she mumbled against his lips, “You don’t have to.”

His tongue was darting against her lips as he tried to gain access to her mouth. CJ groaned and parted her lips, allowing him to plunder her mouth. Her arms moved to wrap around his neck as he deepened the kiss, his body pressing against hers.

Lightly CJ eased his mouth away from her. “You aren’t ready, you said so yourself. I can wait,” she said firmly.

John’s hand covered hers and gently guided her to his shorts, “I want you. I can’t promise to move the earth but I want this.”

CJ closed her eyes and moved her hand back up to caress his cheek, “Then we take it slowly.”

“Great idea in principle, but it’s been two years,” he grinned. “And right now you are wearing too much.”

“You remember that much?” she teased.

“And a few other things!”

John sat up on the bed and ran his hand across her panties, his hand slipping inside the cotton to ease them off and accidentally brushing against her groin. CJ bucked against him and he laughed.

“Responsive little thing, aren’t you?”

When her panties lay across the room she wrapped a leg around John’s thigh, pushing her hips against him.

“I’ve been horny since the shower, what do you expect?” she said, her lips meeting his.

His hands explored her upper torso, sliding up and underneath her vest, in her hair as she prolonged the kiss.

CJ ran her fingers through the curls at the nape of his neck, her other hand caressing his chest, until she released his head. Lowering her head she began to place light kisses across his chest, marking his muscles and spiralling his nipples.

He groaned against her hair as she took a nipple in her mouth, sucking it gently followed by a quick nip. John placed a hand in her hair, forcing her down harder. “Oh god CJ, you have no idea what you are doing to me.”

CJ grinned into his chest.

Her hand moved lower to cup his erection through his shorts, feeling for his tip, she rubbed it with her thumb.

“If you keep doing that this isn’t going to last very long.”

“Less time for you to change your mind,” she said quietly.

John lifted her head to face him, “I’m not going to change my mind. Do you have something?”

“In my purse, I’ll get it,” she said, climbing off the bed and riffling through a black bag on the floor. When she turned he was standing behind her, his last remaining item of clothing discarded.

“You have to stop doing that?” she gasped, her eyes dropping to his now erect shaft.

“CJ, I…” he whispered, reaching for and taking her hand.

CJ shushed him with her fingertips before slipping his grasp. He watched as her vest came over her head to reveal her pert pale breasts.

“No bra,” he commented.

“Not needed,” she said, glancing down at herself.

John placed a hand at the small of her back and lowered his head to a breast. Gathering her in his other hand he sucked and nipped against the flesh as she moaned and arched towards him. Finally his mouth closed around her nipple and he pulled it between his teeth. Quickly he moved to the other, nipping and sucking until he felt her stumble. Without warning he moved both hands under her back and lifted her across to the bed, laying her down gently.

Once more he began his ministrations, sending her closer to the edge. Her hands were trying to pull him closer but he held back, wanting to love her. Tenderly he kissed her lips, then her shoulder blades, before working his way down her torso.

CJ wrapped her hands in his hair, whimpering and moaning with each caress. She stiffened as she felt his lips flicker across her mound. “John, you don’t…” she cried.

“Ssh, I know I don’t,” he whispered, his hand resting on her stomach.

Then she closed her eyes and lost her mind. His lips were brushing against her clit, his tongue darting out to tease her and simultaneously she felt his finger enter her opening.

Her body vibrated around his finger, as he dipped in and out of her wetness. Her whimpers became moans as her body tensed and she neared release.

“I don’t want our first time to be like this,” she moaned, pulling his shoulders, “Please I want to see your eyes.”

John slid up the bed and cupped her cheek. “Why won’t you let me love you?” he asked.

“Let me show you how to love me,” she whispered.

Reaching across the bed she picked up the discarded square and ripped it open. Silently she reached between them and slipped the ice blue latex over his shaft. John relinquished control to her as she shifted her body until he was over her. Cupping his cheeks in both hands she lightly brushed her lips over his eyes, his cheeks and his lips.

“I want you inside me,” she whispered, guiding his hand between them.

Taking his direction John eased his shaft to her opening and gently thrust inside.

CJ’s leg came around him as she held him in place. Gently she began to lower herself onto him.

Her hands wrapped around his back. The rhythm came quickly as he found his pace and she pulled him deeper inside of her. Almost reverently he kissed her between strokes, desperate to maintain the contact.

CJ felt her body shudder, her hips rising to meet him stroke for stroke. With her first climax he began to thrust faster and deeper, losing himself in her warmth, until he lost all control. CJ was teetering on the brink of release, her body spasming around him, her hands reaching for his face.

“John.”

He called her name through his pants.

“It won’t be much longer,” she whispered, outlining his jaw.

Opening his eyes John, balanced his weight onto one hand and covered hers with the other.

“Do you need me to do anything?” he asked tenderly.

“Oh. God,” she cried as his rhythm slowed. “John, please.”

Pulling out almost completely he gave her one long thrust, and began rocking his hips frantically as she

clenched around him praising his name. When her eyelids fluttered shut and her body sank to the bed he continued to plunge into her, moaning as he found his release.

“Are you hungry?” he asked, sometime later, stroking her shoulder.

“Starving,” she murmured.

“For food or me?” he teased.

CJ hit him on the shoulder, “Food, dummy. A girl needs to build her strength up.”

John climbed out of bed and retrieved his jeans. Walking out on to the porch he instructed the guard to

rustle up some food. Twenty minutes later as he sat on the edge of the bed, holding her to him, dinner arrived. They ate under the sheets, ignoring the mess they were making.

“Can you stay?” CJ asked, brushing crumbs off the sheet.

“Do you want me to?”

Pulling the covers back up over her, she nestled up close to him, “We won’t get the opportunity again.”

John stroked her hair, “CJ, this wasn’t a one off for me. I want to see you again.”

CJ grinned up at him, almost childlike, “Really?”

“Of course, it’s not going to be easy, and I’d like us to be discreet for a while until we figure this…” he said waving his arms between them, “…out. I’m very good at letters and phone calls. The question is are you prepared for all that’s going to come?”

When she was silent he looked down at her, losing himself in the caramel of her eyes. “You need to think about that.”

“We need to talk about that,” she corrected, “but right now I need to sleep, you have to be up at five.”

John slid down the bed and waited patiently as she turned her back to him. Pulling her against his chest he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and within minutes they were snoring softly.

The End

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