The day CJ returned to Washington, after her weekend at Camp David, a dozen yellow roses arrived. Carol carried them into her office and hovered to see who they were from. Before CJ even found the card she knew they were from him. The rest of the day she spent with a smile on her face, much to Carol’s amusement and endless questions.

It was after eight when the phone rang and Carol poked her head around the door, “The Vice President is on line two.”

CJ looked up from the papers on her desk and acknowledged the message. “Close the door, will ya?”

Carol frowned slightly and stepped out of the room, the door closing behind her with a thud.

Taking a deep breath CJ picked up the receiver and pressed the flashing light.

“Good evening Mr. Vice President.”

“CJ,” John said quietly, “How has your day been?”

“The usual, staff meetings, briefings,” she explained, “And yours Sir?”

John’s laugh was unexpected, “Can we stick with John? My day started just great, I woke up beside a beautiful woman, took a quiet helicopter ride and since then I’ve been in meetings.”

“At least you didn’t have to endure the trivia marathon from hell,” she groaned. “And now I’m being punished.”

“Punished?”

“The First Lady rather likes Ballet, the President detests it, so now I have to spend tomorrow night at Swan Lake,” CJ explained.

“At the Kennedy Center?” he asked, making a note on his pad.

“Yes.” CJ felt suddenly uncomfortable, not really sure what he was about to say.

John took a deep breath before he spoke, “The reason I’m phoning is to say I’m going to be busy this week.”

Here it came, the big dumping scene.

“Apparently we’re running for re-election,” he joked. “So I may not be able to see you.”

“That’s fine,” she said quickly.

“You don’t want to see me?” he asked, dejectedly.

“Yes, I course I do,” she garbled, “Very much, but I understand.”

“I’ll be in touch though,” he promised, “Whenever I can.”

CJ grinned as she wrapped the telephone cord around her fingers. She rather liked this side of John Hoynes.

“I’d like that,” she whispered. “And I loved the flowers.”

“Good,” he said, and then his voice became muffled for a few seconds. “Sorry, I have to go to dinner. Sweet dreams, CJ.”

“Goodnight John.”

CJ stared at the phone for the longest time, wondering just what she was letting herself in for.

**************************************************************************

The day had been a long one, and now she was dressing for her evening with Abbey. CJ had yet to hear from John and she jumped every time the phone rang, which gave Carol great satisfaction.

Her assistant was far too astute not to realize soon that CJ was seeing someone, and who that someone was. But that was a discussion for another day. Tonight she had to face Ballet with Abbey, and no doubt the hundreds of questions she would have for her.

Sighing she slipped into the sandals and smoothed down the jade green dress. Finally ready she grabbed her bag and wrap and headed over to the residence.

Abbey was waiting when she arrived and grinned just a little too happily as they climbed in the car.

“So, how was it?” she asked.

CJ briefly thought about lying and decided it wasn’t worth the hassle later.

“It was lovely, we talked about everything,” CJ explained.

“Don’t want to hear about that. Did you sleep with him?”

CJ blushed three shades of red before she managed to stammer, “Abbey.”

“It’s a legitimate question. And you did, didn’t you? Hell, you’re practically glowing,” she continued to harass, “So was he any good?”

CJ covered her face in her hands and moaned, “God, and I thought the President was annoying.”

“I fixed you up, you have to share.”

Raising her head to glare at her companion CJ measured her words carefully, “And you had no right to do that. The poor man. He was still mourning his wife and you play matchmaker.”

“It worked didn’t it?”

CJ nodded, “Yes.”

“And you’re seeing him again.”

“When we have time,” CJ groaned. “He sent me roses and phoned me last night.” She knew she was grinning like a schoolgirl but he had bowled her over.

“We’re here,” Abbey announced as the car pulled into the underground service area.

Taking the service elevator up to the top floor the conversation died. As they took the route to the Presidential box they stopped and greeted various people.

Reaching the box they were surprised to find agents already stationed. Exchanging pleasantries one of her detail stepped back.

“Ma’am, the Vice President is here.”

Abbey practically beamed at CJ as she listened to the news. “Well this is good, and I thought this might be a dull evening.”

John Hoynes waited in the tiny reception area for them to join him. He smiled warmly when they entered.

“Abbey,” He greeted, kissing her lightly on the cheek. Turning to CJ he said huskily, “You look stunning CJ.”

CJ smiled back and lowered her face.

“And doesn’t the First Lady get a compliment,” Abbey teased.

John looked taken back for a second, “Of course, you look lovely.”

Abbey shook her head, “But it’s not me you want to undress.”

CJ and John blushed and refused to look at each other.

“It’s fine, I’ll wait in the Box.”

Once the door had closed behind Abbey John took a step closer to CJ and clasped her hand.

“I wanted to see you.”

“I wanted to be seen,” she admitted. Then she inwardly cringed at what an idiot she sounded.

John’s fingers were already making their way up her bare arm, sending shivers along her spine as he admitted, “I missed you this morning.”

“Oh.”

“All this sneaking around is going to be hard,” he whispered, as his hand lifted her chin. “Have dinner with me at the Observatory this weekend.”

“Is that…?” she mumbled as his lips pressed against hers.

As soon as John felt her responding to him he tangled his fingers in her hair and deepen the kiss. This, he thought, was how all these functions should be.

“John,” CJ panted, when they finally separated, “Isn’t dinner a little risky?”

He shook his head, unwilling to miss any opportunity he could have with her. “My driver will pick you up, and take you home again at the end of the evening.”

“And what we do in-between is nobody’s business,” she stated.

“Exactly,” he whispered as his lips sought hers for another kiss.

It was Abbey who broke them apart. Opening the door she cleared her throat and coughed, “You’re going to miss the start,” she said loudly. “And John, you may want to remove your hand from inside CJ’s dress,” she added grinning.

CJ stepped out of John‘s embrace and begin to straighten her attire.

“Do I need to sit between you?” Abbey asked.

John looked panicked, whether by the thought of not being near her or by having the First Lady making eyes at him CJ wasn’t sure.

“We’ll be fine,” CJ answered for both of them, rolling her eyes at Abbey.

Abbey’s attention wandered throughout the performance to the couple beside her. John had moved his seat closer to CJ’s and his hand had been firmly gripping hers the whole time. For the first time in her life she was concerned that her matchmaking would hurt someone. They had suddenly come together, and yet they seemed more intune than some couples she had known for years. If it ended, at least one was going to be hurt badly.

“Why did you come tonight?” CJ whispered, earning herself a glare from Abbey.

“It was the only way I could see you,” he whispered back, “And I thought the First Lady was a good cover.”

“Do you even like the Ballet?”

He chuckled, “Can’t stand it. That’s one thing the President and I have in common.” He waited a beat, “And a taste in beautiful women.”

He turned to find Abbey smirking at him.

John gave her a pointed glare and entwined his fingers more tightly with CJ’s as he settled back to half watch the rest of the ballet.

As the curtain came down they stood, allowing Abbey to leave the box first, followed by CJ and John followed last, his hand at the small of her back. Abbey watched as they said goodbye, the gentle goodnight kisses and the promise of a phone call, before she indicated it was time to go.

After what seemed like the longest week ever Saturday came. The car arrived as promised at seven thirty sharp, the driver making sure to escort her from the apartment door to the car, and once she was settled he pulled out into the traffic. The ride was silent as CJ tried to memorise the route but giving up when they seemed to double back on themselves several times. In a little over twenty minutes the car pulled up at the gate and the agent on duty waved them through.

As CJ stepped out of the car and straightened the red dress another agent appeared at her side, this time one she recognised from Camp David.

“Miss Cregg, if you would like to come with me,” he said his hand inches from her arm.

“Thank you Jack,” she smiled and allowed herself to be guided through the hallway and up to a partially open door.

Knocking once and hearing a bidding Jack pushed open the door and motioned for her to go in.

John was standing by the window, sipping a glass of water, and staring out to space. He turned when he caught sight of a swish of red.

“CJ.”

“John.”

He crossed to her and fidgeted nervously as he contemplated what to do next.

CJ took the decision out of his hands, dropping her purse to the couch and wrapping her arms around his neck.

Somewhere in the movement John placed his glass on the table and circled her waist.

“I’ve missed you,” he whispered, right before his lips brushed hers.

“It’s only been six days,” CJ replied, leaning out of his embrace. “I thought we were going to take this slowly.”

John blushed slightly and avoided her eyes, “When you look like that, I can’t think straight.” Lightly he ran his fingers up her bare back. “I have all these thoughts running through my head.”

CJ laughed and kissed him again. “And none of them involve sitting down to dinner, right?”

“No.”

“You’re crazy,” she muttered, slipping from his arms and entwining her fingers with his.

“Generally you guys call me egotistical, arrogant and smug, among other things,” he pointed out. “No one ever describes me as handsome, sexy and dashing.”

CJ raised an eyebrow, “No, we leave that for Playgirl, Cosmo and Vogue.”

“Actually,” he said grinning, “That’s a relief, the idea of Josh or Leo having those sorts of thoughts about me is a little disconcerting.” He paused and appraised her with his eyes, “Did I mention you are stunning?”

“No, but thank you,” she said, flushing slightly.

John continued to gaze at her, debating the sense of where his thoughts were leading him. He also knew if they were going to continue to see each other she had to meet Mark.

“Where are my manners?” he said, blinking, “Would you like a drink? I have water or ginger ale, or I can order some wine.”

“Water’s fine.” Watching as he made her drink CJ bit on her bottom lip, “John?” She waited for him to turn, “Do you never drink?”

Well now was the moment of truth. In the week he had known her something told him she was trustworthy, that she wouldn’t divulge his secret. “No, never.” He paused while he tried to get eye contact. “I’m an alcoholic,” he said quietly.

CJ nodded and smiled, “I thought as much last weekend.”

John waited for her to say something more but she began to wander the room, looking at the various photos and ornaments. He continued to stare as little things took her interest. She seemed most taken with the stallions Catherine collected and the photo of Mark aged six.

“Catherine had nearly two hundred horses,” John called from the small table, “Most are at the ranch, a few I brought with me.”

“They’re beautiful,” CJ mused, “And this is your son?”

“Yeah, Mark is a little older now. Twenty this summer. He’s studying business at Stanford.”

CJ nodded and walked over the plush blue carpet to fetch her water. Glancing around the room she made a note of the pale blue walls and the antique furniture.

“I guess this is where you spend most of your time.”

He nodded, “When I call, I’m sitting in that chair,” he said indicating the rather overstuffed armchair. “I entertain in the main dining room. Would you like a tour?”

“Relax, we can do the tour another time,” she said, grinning, “Come and make out with me on the couch.”

John raised his eyebrows, “People still do that?”

CJ laughed and perched on the edge of the couch, “I read it somewhere in dating habits of the rich and famous.”

“Okay.”

“I was joking,” CJ groaned, “I just thought it would be nice if we could sit together a while.”

John sat down beside her and did the one thing he remembered form his teens. His arm went up in the air and fell to her shoulders as if by accident.

CJ shifted in her seat and turned to face him, her hand moving to cup his cheek, “It’s all coming back to you now.”

Gently she kissed him on the lips and pulled back to await his next move. Something told her a large part of his wife remained in the room and she didn’t want to push things too far, too fast.

He was staring at her, trying to read her mind. In a short time being with her had become natural. On instinct he moved his free hand to her face and gently brought her face forward. The kiss started off hesitantly but as CJ parted her lips his tongue began a slow exploration of her mouth, bringing forth tiny whimpers from deep inside her. Her response was enough to guide him on and John caressed her back with his fingertips, loving the feel of her skin and the contours of her shoulder. Subtly he leaned forward into the kiss and she fell back against the couch, John lying lightly against her. The kiss deepened and John growled in his throat.

Suddenly he was on his feet and pacing.

“Shit, I’m sorry,” he cursed.

CJ sat up and patted down the fabric. “It’s okay,” she said quietly, “Too many memories?”

John nodded and continued to put as much distance between them as possible. “She didn’t even like this room, thought it was too manly, and now I’m having an episode.”

Standing up CJ moved towards him and lightly took his arm.

John stopped and stared down at her fingers lightly squeezing his elbow.

“Do you want me to go?” CJ asked quietly.

“No,” he said firmly gazing up into her eyes. “I asked you here for dinner. I want to spend some time with you.”

“Why don’t I find out if dinner’s ready?” CJ suggested, “We’ll eat, talk some and I’ll leave.”

He nodded and perched on the armchair as she disappeared into the hallway. He had had this whole seduction routine planned and now he wasn’t sure if he could go through with it tonight.

CJ returned and crossed to where he was sat, “They said a few minutes.”

John looked up and lost himself in her eyes, “If I upset you, I need for you to tell me,” he said barely audible.

“You didn’t upset me. I understand,” CJ explained, her hand hovering in the space between them.

John took it in his own and stood. “That’s good.” He glanced around the room as servants appeared to serve the meal. “Do you like music?” he asked, dropping her hand and crossing to an old stereo. “I have some jazz, a little country, and some rap.”

“You have rap?” CJ asked incredulously.

“It belongs to my son. I’ll go for the jazz.”

Once the soft tones of a saxophone were playing John settled her at the table and waited as the servants bustled around them. Someone had lowered the lights and the candlelight was reflecting the many colours of her eyes. As the ate they sat in companionable silence, the slightest of words filling the intrusions as each course was cleared and the next brought in. Finally a tray of coffee was left on the table and the door closed firmly.

“Shall we move to the couch?” John asked, lifting the tray.

CJ followed and kicked off her shoes before sinking into the couch. “This has been a nice evening.”

John grinned, “So I take it there may be more?” He felt her hand catch his arm as she smacked him lightly. “Hey, what was that for?”

“For being an idiot,” she laughed, “You think now I’m working you into shape you can get away that easily.”

“I was just checking,” he clucked. More seriously he added, “But we need to impose some rules.”

CJ nodded and stretched out, letting her head fall back. “No talking about the campaign, or what happens in the West Wing.”

“What ever is said between us, stays between us,” he finalised.

“And I want to keep us quiet for a while,” CJ stated. “Let us be sure this is what we want before I have to face the inevitable questions.”

“Sounds reasonable,” he surmised, pouring two cups of coffee and offering her one. Settling back into the couch he drank his coffee, pointing out each piece of music as it began.

CJ closed her eyes and listened to the music. Steadily she slid sideways across the couch.

John glanced across at her when she didn’t respond for the second time and moved to catch her. Pulling her into the crook of his neck he held her tightly while she slept. Her breathing was gentle and relaxed and she looked so different from the woman who commanded the Press Room everyday. He had spent an hour on Monday morning holding her when she slept and that, he soon realised, was the thing missing from his life. The simple thing of being with someone unconditionally.

He allowed her to sleep for nearly an hour before he kissed her on the forehead and shook her arm.

CJ mumbled in her sleep and wriggled slightly. Finally she opened her eyes and looked up at him.

“Hi.”

“Did you enjoy your sleep?” he asked, brushing hair from her face.

CJ tried to sit up but he held her tight. “How long?”

“An hour.”

“You should have woken me,” she chided.

John shook his head, “I enjoyed watching you. But you need to go soon,” he sighed. “The driver will take you home by a different route.

This CJ realized was what they would be reduced to for the duration of their relationship, sneaking around in secret and lying. She settled herself that it would not be forever and that they were doing nothing wrong.

“Will you call me later?” CJ asked, in a voice she barely recognized as her own.

“Of course,” he whispered bending down to kiss her firmly on the lips.

A few minutes later CJ was in the car as it sped out of the gate and she took her tour of the city. The phone was ringing as the driver made sure she was safe inside her apartment.

“Hello?”

“I called to wish you goodnight.”

“Goodnight, John,” CJ said, removing her shoes and climbing onto the bed.

“Sweet dreams,” he whispered back, as he placed the phone down.

CJ slipped out of the evening dress and pulled the comforter around her naked body, smiling as she fell asleep.

“So you want to take a week’s vacation?” Leo asked, peering over his glasses.

“Yeah.”

“In an election year?”

“Until the nominating convention there’s not much I can do. I’ve been working like fourteen hour days for months,” CJ explained. “I want to stretch out by a pool, work on a tan, maybe read a trashy novel or two.”

“Where are you going?” Leo asked, flicking through the folder in his hands.

CJ had expected the question, ever since John had invited her to his ranch. Normally she would have put a written request into Toby, but this time she really didn’t want to face that. It had been Abbey’s suggestion that she go straight to Leo.

“CJ?”

“Two months ago I went to Camp David with the President and First Lady for a weekend. There was one other guest and during the weekend we got to know each other.” CJ paused as Leo rolled his eyes. “Since then it’s become serious and now he wants me to visit his home and meet his son.”

“That was a little more information than I needed,” Leo groaned. “Where are you going?”

“Texas. Just outside of Austin.”

“John Hoynes comes from Austin,” Leo said cautiously.

CJ concentrated on the door to Margaret’s office, “Yeah, I’m looking forward to a tour of the property.”

Leo dropped the folder on the floor and sat up straighter.

“You and Hoynes?”

CJ nodded mutely.

Leo stood and perched down on the sofa next to her, “Who knows about this?”

“The President, Abbey and Carol.”

“Not the guys?”

“Well John’s still in one piece isn’t he,” she laughed.

“Was this one of Abbey’s matchmaking things?” Leo asked, his brain still trying to catch up.

“We were trapped together.”

“I hate to be the one to do this, CJ,” Leo started, “but this isn’t a good idea. Firstly, with the election coming up we don’t need the publicity, if the press find out it will become the story. Secondly, I don’t like the idea of you two together. The staff would be forced to choose sides.”

CJ closed her eyes and leaned back on the sofa. “We’re being careful. We only eat out when the restaurant’s empty. He phones on a secure line. I don’t stay over at the Observatory.” She opened her eyes and glanced at Leo, “We don’t discuss the campaign or what happens in this building.”

“You’re sleeping with him?” Leo asked eyes wide.

CJ blushed and looked at her hands, “That’s none of your business.”

“I don’t want you to get hurt CJ,” Leo said softly, “He’s still getting over Catherine. And if he wants to run in four years he has to be careful who he’s seen with. Flings won’t do him any good in character debates. Do I need to go on?”

CJ glared at him, “Yeah, apparently you do, because nothing you’ve said I didn’t realise for myself.”

“Okay, what if you become pregnant? What happens when he dumps you or when he uses you?” Leo whispered, “I want you to be happy CJ.”

“I am happy,” she grinned, “John makes me happy. We both know where we stand.”

“Going to the ranch is risky?” Leo grimaced, “Someone might see you.”

“I’m taking a scheduled flight and a car will pick me up. I’m sure we’ll take a nice windy route,” CJ grinned, “Don’t worry so much. If there’s any sort of problem I’ll come to you.”

Leo grinned back, out of all of them she was his favourite, the one he trusted to take care of the others. “And if I said no, Abbey would be here in a heartbeat,” he cringed.

“Can I have my vacation?” she asked sadly.

“Yeah.”

CJ stood and walked out of his office.

************************************************************

CJ took an evening flight to Austin on Independence Day and exited the airport to find a car waiting for her. The forty-minute ride took her through the outskirts of the city and out into nowhere. Eventually they pulled up at the gates of an imposing property. The agents waved the car inside and soon a large wooden ranch house came into view. CJ gasped when she saw the scale of it. A young man appeared on the porch and waited while the car pulled to a halt. As the diver opened the door for CJ the young man stepped forward. There was no mistaking whose son he was, the dark wavy hair and grey eyes gave him away.

“Miss Cregg?”

“CJ, please,” she said quietly.

“I’m Mark Hoynes,” the young man introduced himself. “Dad is in his office. Did you have a good trip?”

“Yes thank you. So are you enjoying the summer job?” CJ asked politely.

“Truthfully,” he said confidentially, “Politics is boring.”

“You aren’t planning to run for Senate then?”

“Hell, no,” he commented. “Let me show you to your room.”

CJ followed him through the vast lobby and up the stairs. He turned right and CJ found herself in the East Wing. Mark opened the door and she stepped over the threshold.

“This is beautiful,” she sighed.

Mark smiled at her, “I’m guessing you won’t be sleeping in here, but we wanted you to be comfortable. There’s a bathroom through there, and you can see out over the stables.”

“What has your father told you about me?” she asked, sitting on the bed.

“That you are beautiful, funny, independent,” he grinned, “And he certainly wasn’t lying.”

CJ blushed and avoided his eyes. “I see you have his charm.”

“It’s ego, CJ. My father is full of it.”

“Among other things,” she teased.

“You noticed. Anyway, I’ll leave you to get settled. When you’re ready we’ll be in the drawing room, at the bottom of the stairs on you left,” he added, closing the door behind him.

CJ unpacked her small suitcase and freshened up in the ensuite bathroom. Changing out of her suit she changed into an ankle length sundress and headed back downstairs. The house was quiet as she knocked on the drawing room door.

A few seconds later John opened the door and smiled back at her.

“Hi.”

“Hey,” she said softly.

John took her hand and led her into the room. “So you’ve met Mark,” he asked.

“Yeah, he’s got me settled.”

“Right I’m going out now,” Mark said, rising from the couch, “I’m meeting the others at a club.”

Mark waited for his father to say something but John was gazing into CJ’s eyes. “Okay, then.”

Alone at last John pulled her into his arms for a passionate embrace. “So was the flight okay? Is the room okay? Do you want a drink?” John questioned.

CJ shook her head and grinned, “Don’t fuss. The flight was fine, not Air Force One but fine. The room is lovely. And I’d love a water.”

Releasing her John crossed and poured her a drink from the pitcher, “You can have wine if you want?”

“Water’s fine,” she said, “Mark seems like a good boy.”

John nodded, “He’s never been any trouble. And he likes the ranch, so I know it’s going to be in safe hands.”

Crossing back to her he handed her a drink and took her hand.

“I’m not going anywhere, “ CJ teased, glancing at their joined hands. “You have me for a whole week.

John lifted her hand to his lips and brushed her knuckles with his lips. “Just making sure. No sneaking about, no press and none of this creeping out after sex.”

CJ grinned and moved closer to him on the couch. “Mark made a comment about me not sleeping in my room,” CJ replied.

“Ah, about that,” John said quietly, “I thought I might sleep there with you.” He paused and lowered his eyes, “My room is still as it was three years ago, I haven’t changed it and….”

He was silenced as she kissed him firmly on the mouth.

“CJ?”

“As long as we get to wake up in the same bed I don’t care.”

“Good. I need to go out tomorrow,” he explained, “Meet with some donors and the Governor. Mark’s offered to spend the day showing you around. And I’ll be back for dinner.”

“You’re deserting me?” CJ cried.

“I have to,” he whined, “We need the contributions and…”

CJ kissed him again, “So what do you want to do tonight?” she asked, a glint in her eyes.

“An early night?”

John stood and extended his hand, leading her back upstairs.

***********************************************************************

John spent the following day in Austin, schmoozing two corporate CEO’s and lunching with the Governor. His mind was firmly fixed elsewhere, with the sight of CJ, naked and spread across the bed. At several points during the day he had to be prompted out of his daydreams.

CJ and Mark took an old Jeep around the property. Throughout the day he pointed out the herd, the old watering hole and further uphill he showed her the view. Most of all he found himself opening up to her and enjoying her company. They shared a laugh as she told him over lunch of her fear of horses.

By the time they returned to the house John had returned and was sat reading by the pool. He rose when he saw them and came over.

“Did you have a good day?” he asked, greeting her with a kiss.

“Mark is a great tour guide,” she grinned, “And good company.”

John nodded to his son and turned back to CJ, “So do you want to join me for a swim?”

CJ grinned back, “Do I need a swimsuit?”

Mark blushed in the background and his eyes roamed over his father’s new friend.

“Well, I don’t mind,” he commented.

John shot him a look.

Five minutes later CJ returned to the pool in a black one piece, causing both men to twitch. Moving to the shallow end she stepped down in the water and ducked under. Removing his sunglasses and tossing aside his paper John dived in the deep end and swam towards her.

Mark watched unobserved for a second as his father and CJ frolicked around in the water, splashing each other and embracing.

*******************************************

The rest of the week CJ spent with John inside the grounds of the ranch. Most of the time they did very little, lazing by the pool and walking around the property. CJ watched as John rode off on horseback to round up the cattle, and came back dusty and dirty hours later. He stared at her as she stretched out on the sun lounger reading trashy novels. It was an idyllic break from the constraints of their lives and the campaign. Mark dined with them at night then disappeared to leave them to be alone.

It was only on her last day that John had to take care of business, leaving her once more in the care of his son. Once more he took her out on the property, returning in the late afternoon.

CJ went upstairs to wash up and change from her dusty clothes when she heard a light knock at the door. Assuming it was John home she called come and continued to pull the T-shirt over her head. At the silence she took a step out of the bathroom and jumped when Mark stood staring at her in the middle of the room. Grabbing a towel she pulled it around her.

“Mark?”

“I brought you lemonade,” he said, his eyes wandering to her thighs.

“I’ll be down in a minute, “she said quickly.

Mark didn’t move.

CJ blushed and pulled the towel tighter, “Was there something else?”

“I’ve enjoyed spending time with you,” he said softly, his eyes flashing with something that wasn’t quite registering. “You’re quite a woman, CJ.”

“Uh thank you.”

“Why, when the world’s your oyster, you’d want my father is beyond me,” he whispered taking a step closer. “You deserve someone who can take good care of you.”

As the pieces came together CJ was slow to react.

“Age is so irrelevant in relationships,” he commented, his hand brushing her cheek and he leaned in for a kiss.

CJ jumped back stunned, “Mark?”

He was moving back in for another kiss when a voice boomed out behind him, “What the hell are you doing?”

CJ glanced over Mark’s shoulder and caught side of the flash of anger in John’s eyes, the firm set of his jaw as he stared at his son.

CJ crossed her arms and hugged her chest as Mark spun around for the confrontation.

“Get out.”

“What’s a matter, frightened of a little competition?” Mark spat. “Perhaps she likes to be kissed like that.”

CJ cringed as John’s eyes flashed dark grey and his hands clenched at his wrists. “Mark, you should go,” CJ squeaked.

Mark turned to look at her and his face fell as he realized his mistake. Suddenly he stalked out of the room and seconds later the sound of a car speeding off filled the air.

John and CJ stared at each other for a second before he closed the door. Taking long strides he was standing before her in seconds.

“Are you okay?” he asked tenderly, his hand on her arm.

CJ nodded, “I’m fine, John.” Covering his hand with her own she tried to force a smile, “He’s young, he made a mistake.”

“Yes, he did,” he replied, his eyes clouded with jealousy.

And that was the last mentioned on the subject. They spent the evening enjoying a romantic dinner before retiring for an early night. Mark still hadn’t shown up when John put CJ in a car and sent her back to the airport the next morning.