Part Four
The staff flew to Chicago on Air Force One for the DNC. In deference to Josh they checked into the Hilton, the President taking the penthouse suite and the staff filling most of the floor below. Nearly every hotel in town was full, delegates flying in from all over the country. The Vice President’s team were across town in the Sheridan.
As soon as they had checked in Leo called a staff meeting.
“So where are we on the speech?” Leo asked, flicking through the papers as Margaret hovered over him.
“It’s done,” Sam announced cheerfully.
Toby and Bruno exchanged glances.
“I’m about to start work on draft twenty two,” Toby growled, “The President didn’t like the tone.”
“And it didn’t poll well with the women delegates,” Doug called from his corner.
“I gave him statistics, he’s about to state how there’s been an increase in women in high level politics, “Sam muttered.
“It was considering patronising, “ Connie confirmed.
“Fine, I don’t care, just make sure it’s locked before tonight, “ Leo grumbled. “Josh, who are you meeting today?”
“The governor for lunch, and the major of Chicago at two,” Donna recited.
“Just get the job done,” Leo said, handing the sheets to Margaret. “CJ?”
“Connie and I are going to share the press coverage. By Wednesday evening every media organisation will have met with either the President or John Hoynes” CJ replied. “Carol has the schedules.”
“And Hoynes knows the script?”
“Lesley and I have had several productive meetings,” CJ smirked.
“Why don’t you run over there now and speak to him yourself,” Leo suggested. “I want an advance copy of his speech.”
“Huh,” Toby snorted, “They won’t give it up.”
“Anything else you need, Leo?” CJ asked, flashing Toby one of her ‘behave yourself’ stares.
“No, just don’t be too long,” he grinned.
A few minutes later the meeting broke up and CJ headed across town for the Sheridan. Making her way up in the elevator she prepared herself to be professional. It had been two days since they had seen each other and his call last night had been brief.
Nodding to the agent she waited as he announced her arrival.
“CJ,” Tim said in greeting, “Can I help?”
“I’m here to see the Vice President,” she said politely.
“Now’s not a good time,” the chief of staff stated.
Smiling, CJ hugged the folders to her, “I’m here on Leo’s orders. Maybe you could check.”
Shaking his head he said quietly, “I can deal with whatever you need.”
“Hey, Miss Cregg, did you want to see the Vice President?” the young woman asked.
“Janine, please.”
“Sure, come on back.”
Grinning at the stunned Chief of Staff, CJ stepped over the threshold into the John Hoynes’ hotel suite.
The Vice President was discussing Baseball with his speechwriter and for a few seconds CJ had the opportunity to watch him.
John was, she realised, fast working his way into her life. They had yet to talk about the incident with Mark but with increased frequency it was her he came to when he was feeling down. His arrogance was a cover for his own insecurities and when you go to the root of those he was nothing like the picture they all had.
Eventually his companion spotted her and pointed it out to the man himself.
Turning John called out, “CJ, what a nice surprise.”
“Sir.”
“You need to talk to me?” he asked, smirking.
“If you have a few minutes,” she offered casually.
“Guys, can we have the room?” John asked, glancing at the activity all around him.
Everyone stopped and stared at him, until Janine stepped forward, “Of course Sir. Everyone take an early lunch.”
The room emptied rapidly until the door closed and they were alone.
“There’s a bed through there,” John said, grinning, “And I think there might even be a shower.”
“I’m here on business.”
John groaned, “It’s been days, can’t I at least have a kiss?”
CJ smirked and took a step closer. Running her fingers across his chest she suddenly grabbed the cotton and tugged him forwards. Giving him no time to react she dropped the file, tangled her fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck and kissed him passionately. Pulling away she watched him smugly.
“So, the reason I’m here…”
John grabbed her around the waist with one hand and grabbed her head with the other. Taking the opportunity of her open mouth he plunged his tongue inside. As his tongue explored her mouth, gaining small whimpers from her he ground his pelvis against her.
The hand at her waist slid down over her backside, cupping her in his hand.
“Jesus CJ,” he mumbled into her mouth. “Can you feel how much I want you?”
CJ covered his hand with her own and guided him to the hem of the silk shift dress.
“Have you got something?”
“Bedroom.”
Between them they stumbled through the suite into the bedroom, closing the door behind them.
Breaking the kiss John used both hands to lift her skirt to her waist.
CJ’s hands moved to his buckle, then across his fly. Soon her hand was slipping inside his pants and she was fumbling for his erection.
Moving back from her touch he extracted a foiled packet from his wallet and discarded his trousers and shorts.
CJ’s shoes landed in a corner as she dropped her panties to the floor.
“Do you want me to do that?” CJ asked, covering the latex with her hand.
John shook his head and pushed her back towards the bed. Landing on top of her he reached between them to run his fingers across her opening. Finding her wet he smirked, and she lightly hit his arm.
Without warning she wrapped her legs around his and rolled them until she was on top. Positioning herself she sank onto his shaft and began to rock her hips frantically.
John groaned beneath her, clutching her hips to gain some leverage.
Leaning back CJ moaned and continued to thrash. Her nails dug into his thighs as she cried his name and shuddered with her release.
Holding her firmly in place John continue to buck against her, the pace becoming more erratic as he felt a sudden surge and spilled into her. As he slipped from deep inside her he pulled her down onto his chest.
“You drive me crazy,” he panted.
“Same time tomorrow,” CJ teased.
“Ah, yeah,” he moaned.
CJ rolled onto the bed and sat up, “I was kidding. I need to get back.”
John began to clean himself up, “So did you come to see me because you missed me or because Leo sent you?”
“That would be telling,” she giggled, licking her lips. “I have a schedule for you and Lesley,” she said seriously, “And we need a copy of the speech.”
“No.”
“John.”
“Don’t use our relationship to do his dirty work,” John snarked.
“How dare you. I wouldn’t do that,” CJ snapped back.
John held his hands up in surrender, “I didn’t mean it like that.”
CJ climbed off the bed and retrieved her under things and shoes. Refusing to turn back she headed back out into the suite and picked her file from the floor. Tapping her finger against the cardboard she waited for him to join her.
“If I give Toby the speech, he’ll want to rewrite it,” John sighed, buckling his pants.
CJ turned and held out the single sheet of paper, “Here’s the schedule. If Lesley needs me I’m on my cell.”
“And if I need you,” he said softly.
“Page me and I’ll find a secure line, “CJ said, winking. Crossing the room she headed for the door.
“CJ,” he called after her, “How about a compromise?”
CJ stopped and spun back around, “You don’t compromise.”
“There were a lot of things I didn’t do before I met you, “John said, smirking. “I’ll let you have the speech an hour before.”
“An hour,” CJ said, pretending to consider it, “Yeah, I can work with that. See you later Rodeo,” she added with a grin.
“I’ll find a name for you, you just wait and see,” he called after her before grinning to himself.
**********************************************************************
Later that night the President addressed the Convention. The speech was rousing and from the heart and the staff stood in a corner listening to the rapturous applause.
Toby listened carefully to every word, fully expecting to hear a drop in or a slight variation to the text. He was pleasantly surprised to find it read exactly as he had written it.
“Good speech, Toby,” John Hoynes commented, coming up to join the group.
“Thank you Sir, “Toby added, surprised. “How is yours coming for tomorrow?”
“Fine, it’ll be ready,” he said firmly. “I’ll have it sent over to CJ as agreed.”
Both men glanced at CJ and she turned her attention back to the President as he left the stage.
“Don’t you have an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Mr Vice President?” CJ reminded him.
“Ah, you see, that’s why I came over,” he confessed. “What does the guy look like?”
CJ shook her head and cast a glance around the room, “This way Sir.”
John stepped in behind her as she weaved her way across the ballroom.
“So I’ll phone you later.”
“You have my room number?” CJ asked, refusing to look back, knowing full well the look he had in his eyes.
“Yeah. It will be about eleven.”
“Okay,” she said quietly as they reached a group of Press. “Mr. Vice President, this is Matt of the Tribune.”
As John began chatting CJ slipped back to the Bartlet staff.
“We were just saying, we’re going to the bar,” Josh bounced.
“The First Couple want an early night,” Sam added gleefully.
CJ glanced at her watch, already nine thirty. “I think I might join them.”
“Whoa, now that’s an image I don’t need,” Toby groaned.
CJ shot him a look, “Grow up. Leo, do you mind?”
“No that’s fine.” Pulling her to one side he lowered his voice, “You are going to be alone, aren’t you? We don’t need a press nightmare now.”
CJ rolled her eyes, “Jeez, Leo. This is me you’re talking too.”
“Okay.”
By the time the phone on the bedside table rang CJ was under the covers reading through a stack of briefing papers.
“Hello.”
“Hey, CJ.”
“Hi,” she purred, tossing the papers to one side. “How’d it go?”
“Well, apparently I’m in the top ten bachelors in the country,” John said, gruffly, “Which means women want to know about my life rather than my politics.”
“So what did you tell him?” she asked grinning.
“That my girlfriend thinks I’m a rodeo stud.”
CJ gasped and shook her head, “Please tell me you didn’t. And the term is stud muffin.”
“I was expecting more of a reaction to the girlfriend comment,” John said huskily.
“Well I’m not a girl, I’m definitely a little more than your friend and neither of us is sixteen,” CJ said softly. “However partner sounds too formal and lover, well that’s not an image we want to convey.”
“CJ, I was kidding.” After a second of silence he teased, “Hey I could call you my little concubine.”
“Not if you want to go home with your body in tack.”
John sighed and settled back on his bed, “So what are you wearing?”
“Use your imagination.”
“Oh, I’m doing that. Which is why I need a cold shower?” John said laughingly.
“I’d offer to join you but Leo would kill me,” CJ added with a hint of a mockery.
“Ah, you are wicked. I need to go.”
“As always.”
“I’ll speak to you tomorrow,” John whispered.
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight Sweetheart.”
Returning the phone to its cradle, CJ switched off the light and drifted off to sleep.
*****************************************************************
The next two days seemed to fly by. The various speakers took the podium, among them John Hoynes, Vice President. The staff were surprised when the speech arrived as promised, and even more so by the lack of underhanded comments. During the day the senior staff attended meetings and dinners, and at night sat back with the rest of the delegates to hear speeches. While the others congregated until the early hours in the bar CJ slipped up to her room and enjoyed the all too brief conversations with her lover.
The final day of the convention seemed to drag on as the staff made their last minute calls to check who was onboard and CJ spent the day giving statements to the press and trying to prepare her deputies for the coming days. The flowers arrived at lunchtime and Abbey carried them into the suite, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
“CJ, honey.”
The group all turned and CJ blushed when she saw the delicate yellow roses.
“Well, well, CJ’s got an admirer,” Josh teased. “Anyone we know?”
CJ shot him a look and took the card from Abbey’s outstretched hand.
“What does it say?” CJ asked her pointedly.
“I haven’t read it,” Abbey gasped, “Besides it was stuck down.”
CJ grinned and moved slightly away, opening the envelope and smiling at its contents.
“I, uh, need to make a call,” she stammered, practically dashing from the room.
The others watched her go, a little amazed by her reaction. Abbey grinned at her husband and he sadly nodded.
“Okay so you were right, and I was wrong,” he relented.
“Um, sorry to break up the bike shed gossip but we are suppose to be working on your acceptance speech,” Leo said loudly.
“But CJ’s love life is so much more interesting,” Josh whined only to feel two hands catch him on the underside of his head. “Hey.”
Carol and Donna grinned at him and high fived.
“Give up while you are ahead,” Toby growled.
“You’re learning,” Ginger smirked.
“Forgive me,” Leo muttered, “But tonight is the last night of the convention and well we might have to get up there and y’know talk.”
By the tone in his voice everyone knew not to make him any madder.
When CJ returned a few minutes later all eyes turned to her and she shrugged, refusing to be baited on the subject.
The evening was a success as the Bartlet staff basking in the limelight. All stood and cheered as President Jed Bartlet accepted the Democratic nomination. CJ’s attention was drawn to the man next to him. John stood on the podium, smiling, his eyes casting around the room to settle on CJ.
CJ grinned in return, realizing for the first time that in four years time she could well be stood there next to him. The thought as it flickered through her head didn’t seem such a bad one. She looked forward later to congratulating him in private.
Part Five
CJ was winding up her Friday morning briefing, praying that she would get out of there soon and that there would be fresh coffee in the bull pen.
“CJ.” “CJ.” came cries from all around the room.
Pointing to Sandy she waited for yet another question on the President’s fish joke.
“Can you shed any light on the rumour that the Vice President had dinner with a woman last night? Sources say it isn’t the first time.”
CJ mentally counted to ten before answering, “We don’t comment on the Vice President’s private life.”
“Come on CJ,” came a cry.
“John Hoynes is a widower, and as such he is free to see who ever he wants. Now if that’s it, I’ll see you all this afternoon.”
She turned and walked out of the room, ignoring the scream of questions behind her.
Carol appeared at her side, “You want me to get him on the line?”
“Yeah,” she moaned, rubbing her temples, and stepping into her office. “We knew this would happen.”
“By lunchtime it’s going to be worse,” Carol said quietly. “Want some advice?”
“I get the feeling I’m going to be getting a lot of that,” CJ groaned.
“Tell Toby before he hears it from someone else,” she smiled. “And remember you did nothing wrong, unless he’s into some things…”
“Out,” CJ laughed.
A minute later she picked up the phone and heard his voice.
“I’m sorry you had to face that,” John said sadly.
“Yeah, well it wouldn’t be so bad if my assistant didn’t think it was me with you last night,” CJ snapped.
“Oh Jesus.”
“Want to fill me in so I can keep the vultures at bay?” she asked between gritted teeth.
“It was innocent. I had dinner at The Monocle with Andrea Wyatt. She wanted to test my temperature on a drugs bill.” John gazed out of his window towards the West Wing.
“As long as that was the only thing she was testing,” CJ grumbled.
“Are you jealous?” John asked, incredulous.
“No.”
“You don’t need to be,” he assured her.
“Will your Press Secretary make a statement?” CJ questioned. “Or do I have to spin this?”
“Lesley will do it.”
“Fine, Goodbye.”
John stared at the phone as it went dead, more than a little peeved she was reacting that way. Then it occurred to him that he didn’t like fighting with her. Finally it dawned on him he had to apologize.
“Janine,” he shouted.
“Sir?”
He tapped his cheek in contemplation, “I seem to have upset her.”
Janine rolled her eyes, “It wasn’t her last night, I take it.” When he didn’t respond she suggested, “Flowers, lots of them.”
“That’s not going to piss her off?”
“I think Miss Cregg would appreciate the gesture,” was the reply.
Two hours later as she sat in her office with the door shut, ignoring the constant calls and Toby’s ranting Carol knocked on her door.
“Yeah!”
“There’s a delivery for you.”
CJ sighed and stood up, crossing the room she took a deep breath. Opening the door she was somewhat surprised to be faced with the post trolley and the array of flowers it contained. Her eyes went wide and glanced at Carol, waving a tiny white card.
“I’m guessing he’s sorry, Boss,” Carol mumbled.
CJ read the card and smiled, “Oh he’s sorry alright.” She glanced down the hallway and saw Toby heading towards her office. “Carol, can you keep these for me a second while I do this?”
Carol glanced over her shoulder and nodded, “Want me to hold your calls?”
“Are you moving into the horticultural business, now CJ?” Toby asked.
CJ grinned and waved it off, “Have you got some time Toby, I want to discuss something with you?”
Toby followed her into the office and was surprised when she shut the door behind them.
“Have you spoken to the Hoynes?”
“Yeah.”
“And, what did he say?”
CJ sat on her desk and watched as he shuffled from foot to foot, “It was a business dinner with a congresswoman, nothing remotely interesting.”
“So it wasn’t a date? What about the other times?” he prompted.
CJ sighed and pushed her hair from her face, “It wasn’t the same woman, Toby.”
“So he is dating?”
“Yes.”
“Wow, now that’s a whole new ballgame. You need to speak to his press secretary, find out who, then develop a strategy. Two months before an election we don’t need this turning sordid,” he continued to explain. “Maybe Leo can suggest chaperones, a few public dates.”
“Toby, stop,” she shouted, then lowered her voice, “I know who John Hoynes is seeing, I’ve known for months.”
It wasn’t her admission of keeping a secret it was the use of his first name that had him taken aback.
“And you didn’t think to mention it?” he growled back.
“I talked it through with Leo,” she said simply, thinking that was one conversation she never wanted to have again.
“Who is she?”
CJ took a deep breath and moved back behind her desk, “It’s me. Toby, I’m the woman.”
“You’re fucking Hoynes,” Toby yelled closing in on her.
“It’s not like that at all,” CJ shouted back. “I love him, and I’m pretty sure he loves me too.”
“Oh Jesus.”
Toby opened the door and slammed it behind him as he stomped off to his own office.
CJ put her head in her hands and closed her eyes.
A few seconds later Carol knocked on the door, “Are you okay?”
CJ shook her head, “That’s only the start of it.”
“This came over the fax from Lesley, it’s a pretty simple statement of the meeting. And he phoned.”
“Oh, and?”
“He wanted to make sure you received the flowers,” Carol repeated, “And to see if you were free for lunch tomorrow.”
“What did you tell him?” CJ asked dropping food into Gail’s bowl.
“That you would drop by his office at one tomorrow,” Carol replied grinning.
CJ sighed, “ Does this mean you approve?”
“What’s not to approve? He’s sexy, he pays for his own dinner, he makes you happy. The last few months have seen a change in you. You’re no longer frightened to be yourself.”
“Do you want to tell that to Toby?”
Carol shook her head and grinned, “Not in this lifetime.” She reached for the phone as it rang. “Hello…Yes, she is…I’ll send her over immediately.” Putting down the phone she turned to CJ and grimaced, “Leo wants to see you.”
CJ ran her fingers through her bangs and sighed, “This is going to be fun.” Leaving Carol standing in her office CJ stalked off to Leo’s office.
Margaret was in the outer office typing when she arrived and motioned her in with her head.
Stepping into Leo’s office CJ was surprised to find Toby sat on the couch. Leo closed the door behind her and CJ suddenly felt out of her depth.
“Take a seat,” Leo ordered, leaning on his desk.
CJ settled into the armchair and crossed her legs, her hands folding in her lap. Plastering a neural expression on her face she waited.
Toby glanced at Leo and back at CJ.
“CJ, Toby and I have been talking,” Leo started. He removed his glasses before continuing. “We need to address some issues after this morning.”
CJ nodded, “And those would be?”
“If you’re going to continue seeing him,” Toby growled, “You’ll have to have a chaperone.”
“Chaperone?” CJ grinned, “This isn’t a high school dance.”
“When you go to a restaurant someone needs to accompany you. When you go public, someone needs to be in the background,” Toby mumbled.
“And the eight strong detail isn’t sufficient?”
“CJ,” Leo barked, “This is important.”
“No, what’s important is that we don’t make a fuss and give the press a heads up,” CJ snapped back.
“You’re screwing the Vice President, we are facing an election in a little over a month. Maybe you should have considered the implications before you fell into his bed,” Toby yelled.
CJ raised her eyebrows and focused her attention on Leo. “Leo, we aren’t ready to go public yet,” she informed him calmly. “I’ll be lucky if I see him more than a handful of times before the election and then there will be agents.” She sighed, “I know how it will be seen and I think I can handle it. When we had this conversation a few months ago you promised to trust me.”
Toby groaned in the corner and rubbed his eyes, “He’s been caught out once.”
“Yeah, having dinner with Andi Wyatt,” CJ snapped.
Toby’s face crinkled at the sound of his ex’s name and he looked away.
“I’m sorry you don’t approve Toby but I’m not giving him up.”
Leo shook his head and frowned as he watched the secret conversation carry on between them. He had suspected at one time they were together but now he shrugged that off.
“I’ll leave it for now,” Leo said, “But what happens when it goes public?”
CJ tucked her hair behind her ears and adjusted her glasses, “We’ll make an announcement. I’ll willingly go on a public date and do the interviews.” She shrugged and crossed her arms over her body. “You can send chaperones and if it comes to it I’ll resign.”
Toby and Leo’s head both shot up at her admittance. “Really?”
She nodded, “I know you care, and I know how you feel about John but I know him better than you. This feels right.”
Leo glanced at Toby who was staring at CJ, open-mouthed.
“So when are you going to tell the others?” Leo asked stunned.
“Soon.”
“And I’m still your first phone call?” Leo acknowledged.
CJ nodded and her body released the tension.
“Okay, go.”
CJ didn’t wait to be told twice. Giving Toby one last look she stood and headed out of the office, pausing briefly at Margaret’s desk to pinch a muffin.
Part Six
The Stateroom of the White House was heaving with people on election night. Everywhere you looked there were staffers on cell phones making last minute calls or televisions giving out the latest exit polls.
CJ entered the Stateroom and made a beeline for the President.
Jed turned when he heard the sound of pumps coming towards him. “I thought you were Abbey,” he grumbled.
“Sorry Mr President, she’s trying to get Annie to sleep,” CJ informed him. “I just came to say the polls in Texas have just closed.”
“And Texas is important because?” he teased.
CJ shook her head, and refused to be baited, “I’ll let you know when California closes.”
“Are you not staying to enjoy the party?” he asked, in need of company.
“No, Toby has me on poll watch. I’ll be up later.”
CJ waited to be excused and headed off across the room. She made it as far as the buffet when a familiar voice called her name.
CJ spun around and came face to face with her interceptor. “Mr Vice President, good evening.”
“And where are they keeping you locked up?” John asked, tugging her toward a corner.
“I have work to do.” CJ glanced around to see if anyone was watching. “And you have to play nicely with the guests.”
“Don’t remind me,” he groaned. “Will I see you later?”
CJ squeezed his arm, “I’ll be here for the celebration.”
“But I want you here on my arm now,” he moaned. “I like the idea of them all looking at us and saying how damned lucky I am.”
“And I don’t want election night to end with Josh and you in a brawl,” she offered quietly.
John grinned and leaned closer to her, “Oh, don’t worry I have a much better idea of how I want this evening to end.”
CJ rolled her eyes, and extracted her arm; “I’ll see you later.”
******************************************************************
It was nearly one thirty in the morning when CJ was finally able to leave her office and join the party. Every polling station in the country was closed and now they just had to wait for the results. CJ snagged a glass of wine from a passing waiter and snaked her way to the panel of televisions where Bruno was keeping watch.
“Any news?” she asked, taking a large sip of wine.
He turned and shook his head, “Should get something soon. The exit polls are good.”
CJ was surprised when Josh appeared at her side, “Come and dance with me.”
“Why?” CJ asked a little taken aback.
“I need your advice,” he mumbled, grabbing her firmly by the waist and pulling her on to the dance floor.
“This isn’t slow dance music,” she tried.
“Doesn’t matter,” he slurred. “I wanna ask Donna out. Can I ask Donna out? Will she say yes?”
CJ closed her eyes and counted to ten. This was the inevitable, except everyone had pretty much given up on them. Then there was his break up with Amy to contend with.
“Why are you asking me?”
“Friend. Care about me. Want me be happy,” he stammered incoherently, “Donna confide.”
CJ glanced hastily around the room looking for help. Her eyes fell on Sam and she waved him over.
“How much has he had?” Sam asked, cheerfully.
“Too much. You were supposed to watch him,” she complained.
“I was writing the acceptance speech.”
“Fine, just keep him away from Donna,” she snapped, passing Josh’s limp body to Sam.
“Oh god, he wasn’t, not tonight,” Sam groaned, dragging his friend off.
CJ headed for the food but was hijacked half way across the room.
“What’s with the Hardy boys?” Abbey asked, eyes glazed.
CJ looked back over her shoulder and grinned, “Josh has finally realised Donna is a woman.”
“Ah, he needs help,” Abbey stated.
“Yeah, serious help. Maybe you should go help him,” CJ suggested, trying to steer Abbey away.
Abbey laughed, “Perhaps they’d like a weekend at the farm.” Her eyes dilated again before she spoke, “John is waiting for you in the Residence.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, maybe he wants to ask the big question,” Abbey surmised.
CJ shook her head, “No, that’s not on the cards. He just wants me alone.”
Abbey raised her eyebrows and CJ walked away.
The Residence was quiet. Everyone, except a handful of staff and agents were downstairs at the party. CJ walked along the corridor, thinking back to what Abbey had said, and John’s pushing for some public show of affection.
CJ found John in the private sitting room, pacing the length of the room, watching his feet. He looked so nervous and yet so at home.
“Abbey thinks you’re going to propose,” CJ offered by way of greeting.
Her response was his head lifting and his deep grey eyes gazing across at her.
“CJ, I , that, god…” he stammered.
“I told her she had more hope with Josh and Donna,” CJ interrupted. “So are you going to jump me here?” she teased.
John’s face broke into one of his rare smiles and he laughed, “I don’t think the President would be too impressed by that.”
As she took the few steps that separated them CJ wetted her lips. “We don’t have to tell him,” she whispered as her hands locked around his neck.
They moved together as his lips sought hers. Lightly they kissed before breaking away. Silently he pulled her body close to him and kissed her again, deeply and passionately until she was forced to break away for air.
“Come back to the Party with me,” he pleaded. “We don’t have enemies in the room.”
“John, I can’t.”
John began to rub his arms up and down her back, causing her to moan. “But I love you.”
CJ pulled back from his touch, “John?” she asked huskily.
Gazing deep in her eyes he moved his hand to cup her face, “I didn’t think I’d ever say that again. But I mean it. I love you.”
“I love you too,” she whispered, touched by the new twist in their relationship.
“Just because I’m not ready to marry you, don’t think you aren’t a permanent part of my life,” he offered tenderly. “I have no problem telling people that I want to be with you.”
“After the result,” she said.
“We can be together after the result?” he asked, “I can kiss you in public?”
CJ nodded, seconds before he pulled her against his chest and kissed her reverently.
**********************************************************************
As the states began to announce CJ stood in amongst the staff, tracking numbers with Connie on the easel. Sam and Toby were on the phone to the remaining state chairmen trying to secure an early announcement. They had lost Florida, but somehow won both New York and Texas. Of the remaining states California was the clincher. Time seemed to stand still as the last few states declared. Silence followed as they waited, except for Toby who was ranting down the phone at someone. Then it came the announcement they were waiting for. CJ sidled to the back of the group and sought him out with her eyes. He was leaning towards the screen, his breath held as the Anchor gave out a gasp and said,
“And we can now declare the 2002 President Election for Democratic President Bartlet.”
The room erupted around them but they ignored that, intent on finding each other. Janine held a restraining hand out to his staff as she watched him silently ask CJ for permission before wrapping his arms around her waist and lowering his lips to hers. The kiss that followed was deep and passionate and for a few minutes the celebration went on around them. Until that is Josh began to look for CJ, in turn directing Sam to a search of his own. When they found her they recoiled in horror. Josh glanced at Sam and both stood staring, mouths agape, as they watched CJ lip locked with John Hoynes
The end