Title: Roses Are Red
Rating: NC17
Pairing: Leo/CJ
******
"Hey, coffee!" Ginger called, bringing in the Starbucks. "CJ, you've got your frappucino, though why someone would want a frozen drink in the middle of winter is beyond me."
"Great-- caffeine," CJ muttered, taking it from Ginger and retreating to her office. "What do you want?" she asked Toby, who was cavorting in her swivel chair.
"You got a date for tomorrow?"
"What's tomorrow?"
"Uh, Valentine's Day. Guy gets killed, we celebrate lovey-dovey shit."
“Carol,” she called and her assistant appeared in the doorway. “Memo to the West Wing Men, it’s Valentines tomorrow, attach the number of a florist, chocolatier, Victoria Secret’s, etc.”
Toby stared at her, “You send a memo?”
“Yeah,” she replied looking at him as though he’d gone mad. “I’m the holiday cruise director.”
“Fine. So who’s the lucky man?”
CJ grinned, “Now that really would be telling.”
"Well, yes, it would be, but I'd like to know so I can go threaten him with bodily harm."
"Ah, see, Toby, this is why I never tell you when I'm going out. And besides, what makes you think I'm going out at all? I might stay in with a good movie and Grizabella."
"Why did you have to name the cat that?"
"Because. And besides, Toby, I really have no plans. I'll be sitting at home unless I decide to go drink myself into oblivion. Or something." She shrugged.
Carol, who was lurking in the outer office, not really listening at the door, or at least trying to be discreet heard the last comment and shook her head. Sometimes the men in the building could be so dense, it was obvious CJ needed a date and all they could do was pussyfoot around the subject. She strained closer to the door.
“I’m going to be working on the speech for the women in engineering thing.”
CJ took a sip of her drink, “That’s not until next month.”
“I will be working on it, at least if the President asks.”
CJ nodded in understanding.
“Anyway I gotta go.”
Carol took interest in the fax machine as he passed, she was going to have to talk to Donna.
"Carol, can you go to Josh's and get the report on social education from Donna?" CJ asked after Toby had left.
"Why? Isn't Sam supposed to be working on that?"
"Not anymore -- he gave it up when Mallory tried to skewer him with a steak knife. Can you go get it, please?"
"Sure -- I'll be back," Carol said, scurrying off to Donna's cubicle. "You know the social ed thing?"
"Yeah -- Sam put it in my inbox until someone else claimed it," Donna said, looking up. "What about it?"
"CJ wants it."
"Why?"
"Because she doesn't have a Valentine's date."
"You're kidding."
"No -- she's making plans to stay home or go out and get drunk."
"You're kidding."
"Stop saying that! The thing?”
“Yeah right. I’m going to see Margaret,” Donna stated. “You wanna come?”
Carol shrugged, “Why?”
Donna dropped the pile of files unceremoniously on Josh’s desk and turned back, “Margaret is an expert on these things. She reads Mills and Boon.”
“You really are a farm girl.”
"Shut up -- are we gonna get a date for CJ or what?"
"I vote for Josh," Carol said.
"And I vote to put you out of you misery, Carol -- I wouldn't set Josh up with anyone but Joey Lucas." They stopped in Margaret's doorway. "Mags, it's lunchtime."
"It's only eleven," Margaret replied, looking nervously over her shoulder. "Leo wouldn't like it if I went on lunch right now."
"Oh please, Leo's a tyrant -- live a little," Donna said, grabbing Margaret and dragging her out of the office.
Sam walked by, humming to himself, passing them and turning to speak.
“Ladies.”
Margaret giggled, “Basement?”
Donna nodded, “That’s one to scratch off the list.”
“What list?” Margaret asked, “Have I missed out on the office pool again?”
“CJ needs a date for Valentines,” Carol offered helpfully.
“Don’t we all? So who’s on the list?”
The two younger women looked at each other, “Josh, Ed, Larry, Toby and Leo.”
"Why not Sam?" Margaret asked. "I think she'd like Sam better, actually."
"Why? He's a moron..." Carol muttered. "Toby's out."
"Why?"
"Because I said so -- I get highest blackball priority because I know her. Ed and Larry also are out."
"That leaves Leo and Josh." Donna made a face. "Not much of a choice."
“Speak for yourself,” Carol said, “Josh has big hands and Leo has that smile.” Her eyes went all wistful as they walked through the bullpen.
“What are we talking about?” Ginger asked joining them.
Donna shrugged, “Josh or Leo?”
“For what?”
“A Date?” Carol replied.
“Give me Leo anyday,” Bonnie called, “Those eyes.”
Margaret groaned, “That’s my boss you’re talking about.”
"Yeah, it's your boss we're talking about," Ginger said with a grin. "Your very sexy boss -- gotta love his bedroom voice and those 'come hither' eyes of his..."
"AUGH!" Margaret shouted, covering her ears.
"Why are we talking about Josh vs. Leo, anyway?" Bonnie asked, tossing a cracker into the air and catching it with her mouth.
"CJ needs a date for tomorrow," Carol said, offering Bonnie a bottle of water. "And it's down to Josh or Leo."
"Leo, definitely," Bonnie said.
“Leo, definitely.” A voice agreed, “There’s something about a man in a t-shirt.”
Bonnie blushed, “Ma’am.”
Abbey laughed, “You see I miss out on all this girl talk in the East wing. So CJ needs a man?”
Donna stepped forward, “It’s valentines and she’s going to be all alone. The sisterhood needs to stick together.”
“That it does. If you need a name, use mine. Now, I better go and remind my husband about tomorrow.”
Elsewhere in the West Wing Leo was signing letters in his office.
“Margaret,” he cried and getting no response, “MARGARET, damn woman.”
“She’s not at her desk.”
Leo looked up, “Wow great powers of deduction there Josh. You need something?”
"Yeah, I'm looking for something I lost."
"What makes you think it's in here?"
"Well, she can usually be found hanging around with Margaret..."
"Donna's missing, too?"
"Has anyone seen Carol?" CJ asked, sticking her head in. "She went to get me a file from Donna and hasn't been back since."
"We're looking for Donna and Margaret," Josh said, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Add Bonnie and Ginger to the list of missing," Toby said from behind CJ. "Sam said he saw them all heading downstairs, but they disappeared again before we could ambush them."
"What is it -- walk-out day?" Leo muttered, picking up his phone. He dialled a number, then said, "MARGARET, GET IN MY OFFICE NOW," then hung up. "I love cell phones," he commented with a mild smile.
When Margaret arrived two minutes later the senior staff were milling around, she plastered a smile on her face and entered,
“You know Leo last time I checked it was acceptable to take a lunch break.”
“Not with my Donna,” Josh whined.
“How about your Mandy, your Joey and your Amy?” she deadpanned.
The others grinned as Josh whined some more, “Leo?”
“She has a point. Now you’re back I have work to do, the rest of you go do a job.”
The others left and Leo turned back to Margaret,
“I need Chairman Fitzwallace on the phone.”
“Bet he has a date for Valentines,” she muttered.
"Probably, considering he's MARRIED," Leo snapped. "Get him on the phone now."
"What, you can't work your own phone?" Margaret called from her part of the office.
"Just do it!"
"Fine, fine," Margaret muttered, getting him on the line and transferring the call to Leo's office. Then she sat down at the computer and began to surf the net in search of an extravagant amount of roses that she could have sent to CJ's office.
In the bullpen Donna was on the phone talking to a slip of a girl no doubt.
“They need to be here tomorrow. Yes one kilo, hell make it two, soft centres.”
“DONNA,” Josh yelled.
“Please hold. What?”
“Whatya doing?” Josh asked coming up behind her.
Donna stared at him, “Ordering your valentines gift.”
“Really?”
She shot him another look, “No, not really. Go away. Yes, I’m sorry. And the same credit card details as before. You can send the receipt care of Donna Moss. Thank you.” Putting down the phone she waved at Carol and gave her the thumbs up.
Carol's phone rang and she picked it up. "Yeah?"
"Hey, it's me -- red, white, or pink?" Margaret asked.
"Pink -- not so strong a signal as red or white," Carol said. "Bonnie's not done, and neither is Ginger, are they?"
"No."
"Tell them blue."
"You sure?"
"Yeah -- or pink to match."
"Okay! I'll call 'em." Margaret hung up.
Margaret dialled the bullpen and waited for an answer, eventually it was picked up.
“Yeah.”
“Is Ginger there, or Bonnie?”
He huffed, “Margaret, is that you? They’re not here, I sent them to the OEOB to find something.”
She pondered for a second, “Okay, can you tell them blue or pink?”
Toby grimaced at the phone, “Blue or pink what?”
“They’ll know.”
He sighed and put the phone down, “What am I now the bleeding messenger?”
Sam came up behind him and said, "Why are you talking to yourself?"
"Because Margaret wants me to tell Bonnie and Ginger either blue or pink."
"Blue or pink what?"
"I have no idea."
"Then why are you..."
"Shut up. Don't you have work to be doing?"
"Hey, what'd we miss?" Bonnie asked as she and Ginger came back into the bullpen.
"Nothing -- Margaret said blue or pink, whatever that's supposed to mean."
"Thanks, Toby," Ginger said with a smile, getting up on her tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek.
Toby blushed beneath his beard and grunted, his back turned he allowed a fraction of a smile to cross his face.
“Blue what?” Sam asked.
Ginger grinned at Bonnie, who grinned back, “The thong for Leo?”
Sam paled, “You’re buying Leo a ….” he shook his head and walked away, “The west wing’s gone mad.”
Ginger stifled a grin, “Hey do you think Leo’ll need one for tomorrow night?”
"You're asking me?" Toby asked. "You've got to be insane if you think I care whether or not Leo wears a thong." He shuddered and shook his head, going into his office.
Ginger snickered and sat down at her desk. "You think Armani from the boutique or Donna Karen?" she asked.
"Donna Karen, definitely," Bonnie said. "And I'll take care of the tux."
"He does need a new one," Ginger replied with a giggle. "Hey, what do you think of this one?"
"PERFECT!" Bonnie shrieked. "Get it!"
Leo hung up his call and clicked on his email, message waiting flashed. He pressed read and Carol’s memo appeared. He was about to yell Margaret when he stopped and grinned. Scrolling down the screen he stopped on the florist’s number and picked up the phone.
“Hello, this is Leo McGarry phoning from the White House, I’d like to place an order.”
“Will that be the same credit card as usual?”
Leo said yes without thinking, obviously Margaret had ordered on his behalf before. “I’d like an orchid sent to Abigail Bartlet, a dozen yellow roses to Mallory O’Brien and a mixed bouquet for Margaret Anderson, all care of the White House.”
“Certainly Mr McGarry, I’ll send the receipt to you direct and the flowers will be there tomorrow.”
Calling Godiva he placed an order for chocolate boxes for each of the other senior assistants. Finishing the call he sat back in the chair thinking he had missed someone.
Margaret stuck her head into his office. "Leo, can I ask you a favor?"
"Depends on what it is," Leo said, straightening back up in his chair. "It isn't illegal, is it?"
Margaret blushed. "What, you think so little of me?" she asked.
"Actually, two words: raisin muffin."
"Okay, okay -- I have a friend and she's going to be all alone tomorrow. She doesn't like being alone, I mean REALLY doesn't like being alone, but she can't help it because of her job -- if I pay for dinner, will you take her out?"
“Haven’t I got that thing with the Secretary of Agriculture?”
“I gave it to Josh?” She smiled sweetly. “Donna has the papers to brief him as we speak.”
“Can’t you take her out?”
Margaret shook her head, “I’ve already organised to go to a concert with the assistants. Please, you’ll like her.”
"I don't like blind dates, Margaret..."
"Please, Leo?" Margaret blinked like she was going to start crying -- she could cry on command, and she knew how much it annoyed and irritated Leo.
"Don't start crying -- yes, okay, I'll take her out," Leo sighed, knowing he had been manipulated.
"I've already paid for your dinners at Chez Marie," Margaret said with a smile. "She'll meet you there at 8. And Abbey wanted me to give you this." She grabbed the tuxedo box and thrust it into Leo's hands. "Happy Valentine's Day." With that, she retreated to her desk.
"Okay, so some guy dies and we all have to be nice to one another," Leo muttered, opening the box and laughing out loud. "Well, some are nicer than others."
The plan was going well, the Assistants had all lived up to their end of the bargain now all they had to do was convince CJ, and if they couldn’t get an executive order they would have to get the next best thing.
Abbey listened to Donna and grinned, there was nothing she liked more than matchmaking, “Sure honey, so all I’ve got to do is get our CJ to the restaurant by eight. And Carol will take care of the rest.”
Abbey put the receiver down and headed across the building to the West Wing, the Press Secretary was missing from her office and Abbey slipped into the back of the briefing room to wait.
“So CJ, any plans in the West Wing for Valentines?” Chris asked, “Toby Ziegler and silk boxers maybe?”
CJ raised an eyebrow. "If you think that's the best I can do for Valentine's Day, Chris, you should really get a re-tune on your imagination. And besides -- no comment on the private lives of the Senior Staff."
Chris snickered. "That hot of a date?"
"Well, yes, popcorn does tend to be hot when it comes out of the popper," CJ snapped. "Now, if there isn't anything serious left, get out of here."
She noticed Abbey hovering and crossed to join her.
“Ma’am, please tell me He hasn’t?”
“Hasn’t what?” Abbey asked, smiling.
CJ sighed, “The President and his holiday gatherings.”
“I can safely assure you he has no plans, yet anyway.” She started to walk, “Look I don’t like to do this to you but there’s a major campaign contributor in town tomorrow and I was wondering if you’d entertain him for me.”
“Me, you want Toby,” CJ hissed.
Abbey squeezed her arm, “We women have to stick together, as a favour to me. He really is quite generous.”
"Abbey..."
"Show a little knee, whatever -- I bought you a dress."
"I'm knees and dimples, aren't I?" CJ sighed.
"Well, it's not like you have real plans."
"Who told you that?"
"Carol."
"Damn." CJ sighed. "How big of a contributor?"
"Really really really big."
"Okay, okay -- what happened to everyone else's lack of plans?"
"Jed's got everyone else working on stuff for him tomorrow. Please, CJ?"
"Okay, okay -- I give. I'll go."
"Be at Chez Marie at 8. The reservations are under my name."
CJ headed back to her own office, stopping at Carol’s desk on the way past.
“I was going to do something really nice for you tomorrow.”
Carol shrugged, “She tortured me.”
“Yeah, I’ll remember that next time. You need to make me a hair…”
“Done, three o clock tomorrow.”
“This whole building is a conspiracy. Don’t suppose you feel like doing a spot of shopping for me?”
"For what?"
"Shoes?"
"Done."
"Makeup?"
"Done."
"Flowers?"
"Ah, now that I wouldn't know about." Carol smiled up at CJ. "It's not going to be that bad -- I've met the guy."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah -- he can be a pain in the ass, but he's a really good guy. Very cute." With a smirk, Carol said, "Okay, I've got work to do -- can't you go bother someone else for a while?"
CJ sat at her desk wrapping various objects in heart covered paper when her phone rang,
“What?”
“For a communications major your telephone manner could do with some work.”
“Toby, it was an internal call, it’s nine at night and I couldn’t really give a flying…”
He groaned, “Okay message received. I was thinking if you’re at a loose end tomorrow we could do something.”
“That ship has sailed my friend,” She smirked.
“Uh, you have a date?” His fingers unconsciously rubbed at his temples.
“Yeah,” she debated whether to torture him or not but relented, “Some campaign contributor, great butt apparently.”
"SO it's a blind date?"
"Set up by Abbey and Carol."
"Oh."
"Yeah, well, I get a dress and dinner out of it, so I'm not too upset."
"A dress?"
"Abbey's bribing me. She bought me clothing and shoes to wear, apparently."
"Sounds like a barrel of fun," Toby muttered, rubbing his head a little more intently. "Hold on a second -- Ginger, what do you want?"
"Andi wants to know if you're free for dinner tomorrow," CJ heard Ginger say.
"Tell her I'll call her back -- sounds like I have a date, too," Toby told CJ.
"We can only hope," she sighed. "Look, I'm going home."
"Okay."
The West Wing was a hive of activity the next morning. There wasn’t a desk without some sort of gift on it. CJ walked into her office and smiled, the small Victoria Secret’s bag was from Carol, the chocolate from the guys, predictable as ever, and the stockings draped over the chair had to be from Donna. Days like these she liked working here.
Carol stuck her head around the door, “Staff in ten. Thanks for the earings. Does this mean I’m forgiven?”
CJ smirked, “I’ll let you know tomorrow. Do I dare open this?” She asked waving the box.
“Safely here, in staff I wouldn’t be too sure. I’ve got the receipt if it’s too small.”
CJ laughed and opened the box, her eyes widening as she closed it again and stuffed it in her desk drawer. "Uh, thank you, Carol..."
"Hey, is this CJ Cregg's office?" a guy yelled from Carol's desk. Carol scurried back to her desk and signed for the delivery. "Uh, CJ, this is for you," she said, handing CJ a huge, long box.
CJ set it down on the desk and opened it. She gasped when she saw three dozen delicate pink roses. She searched for the card, and came up with one that said, "Thank you for joining me for dinner."
Her forehead scrunched in confusion, but she closed the box and said, "Okay, this is just getting weird, Carol -- do you know who this guy is that I'm supposed to be having dinner with?"
"No, and speaking of which, Abbey brought your new dress earlier." Carol got that box and brought it in. "She said you should show a little knee."
“Abbey’s idea of a little knee is….anyway open it up.”
Carol lifted the lid and carefully removed the dress, shaking it out she held it up.
“Wow, I’ve never seen a pink like it before.”
“Hell I’ll look like a flamingo and what’s with the skirt,” CJ muttered.
“I think it’s what’s called a bias cut, bias because when you cross your legs he going to get very biased.”
Leo stopped in the doorway and let out a whistle, “Very nice, Toby said you had a date. If I was the guy…”
CJ blushed and put it away. "Okay, don't you have something better to do?" she asked.
"Actually, I was coming over to see if you know what you're going to say to the AP on the wiretaps?"
"What wiretaps?"
"The FBI wiretaps."
"Oh, the Gregory wiretap?"
"Yeah."
"I'm not going to say anything about a wiretap, because it makes it seem like we can't torture the information out of him with feathers and fingertips."
"What the hell..."
"Tickle it out of him," she explained, rolling her eyes.
"Oh. Okay."
Leo looked around the desk and grinned, “Wow, someone’s popular…” He slapped his thigh as it suddenly occurred to him he’d forgotten her. “Gotta go.”
“Okay, what was that all about?”
Carol shrugged, “Valentines has a strange effect on men.”
Donna appeared in the doorway carrying a box, “I was coming in when this was delivered.” She handed it to CJ.
CJ pulled off the packaging and took out the card, “He must really be a big contributor. This is getting more confusing by the moment.”
Donna practically jumped up and down, “What’s it say?”
"They seem to be Godiva's chocolates," CJ muttered. "And the note is some garbled garbage about..." CJ blushed bright red. "Never mind."
"Oh, lemme see!" Carol cried, yanking the card out of CJ's hand. "It's just poetry."
"Shakespearean sonnet," CJ contradicted. "And I have a feeling he's gonna want to feel me up at the end of the evening."
"Hey, CJ?" called Ginger. "This just landed on my desk, god knows why." She handed CJ a box.
"Oh Lord, what now?" CJ sighed.
"CJ, this just..." Bonnie said.
"I know, this just arrived on your desk..." CJ sighed, opening Ginger's package. "It's sandals."
"Shoes," Ginger corrected. "Very nice ones. Jimmy Choo, it looks like..."
CJ opened the box Bonnie passed to her and turned bright red. "I'm supposed to..."
"Abbey bought this stuff," Ginger and Bonnie said together. "She says you're supposed to wear the lingerie beneath the dress, and wear the shoes tonight."
"That woman is going to kill me."
“She just wants you to enjoy your date,” Ginger offered.
“My Date? Is there anyone in this building who doesn’t know?” CJ yelled.
“You have a date?” Josh asked coming into the room, and glancing at the packages. “hey sexy knickers, if this is a first date you really shouldn’t be planning on sex.”
“That’s it Joshua, out. All of you. We have staff,” she ordered her face turning crimson. “It’s not a date, it’s business and I’m not having sex.”
The bullpen went silent as they all turned to look at her. CJ threw her arms in the air in despair and stalked off towards Leo’s office.
“Thank you for joining us,” Leo opened.
“So you’re not having sex?” Sam reiterated joining the group.
CJ hit him upside on the head.
“Guys, this is a place of work and not the ladies room, can we get back to work.”
Twenty minutes later CJ left staff and made it back to her office. Lying on the couch was a simple clear tube carrying a simple white lily. Picking it up CJ smiled, knowing exactly who it was from. No flamboyant gestures he always went for the simple touch.
Carol followed her in, “More flowers?”
“It’s from Leo, he once said I was like a lily, tall and elegant,” she smiled before turning back to Carol who was grinning.
“What?”
“Briefing in five.”
"Yeah," CJ sighed, grabbing a folder and heading out the door.
*~*~*~*
CJ checked her reflection in the mirror before she even left her room. "I look like one of those can-can dancers," she muttered. "But I love the shoes." She fixed her hair and makeup and grabbed a simple black wrap, before deciding that the dress had to go. She ducked into the closet and came up with a very simple black satin slip dress with spaghetti straps and black beading at the edge. However, she decided not to change the shoes.
When she made it out to the car, she was freezing, but she had to say it would be worth it -- no flamingo dress.
She arrived at Chez Marie with five minutes to spare. "Excuse me," she said politely to the hostess. "Reservations under Abigail Bartlet."
“Of course, Miss Cregg, if you’d like to follow me.”
She stepped back in surprise when she saw her dinner companion. “Zoey?”
Zoey laughed, “It’s okay, I’m not staying, Charlie’s taking me to the movies. Mom asked me to give you this.”
CJ sat down and took the small box, “What is it?”
“A gift for your date.”
“Do you know who it is?” CJ asked leaning closer.
Zoey grinned, “Oh yeah, you’re made for each other. And these are from me for later.”
CJ glanced at the small box squeezed into her palm, “Your father would kill you.”
She shrugged, “They’re large, well it’s all Charlie and I use,” she blushed.
“Too much information.”
“Gotta go, if I know him he will be right on time.”
CJ nodded. "Okay, well... thank you, I guess." She smiled. "Go have fun at the movies -- just don't snog in the back row."
"Snog? What the hell kind of word is that?" Zoey giggled as she left.
CJ settled into a chair and bit her lip, waiting.
The hostess brought her dinner companion over and she got a good look at him for a long moment before croaking, "LEO?!"
“You’re Margaret’s friend?”
“Your Abbey’s contributor?”
Leo fell into a chair.
“Can I get you guys a drink?”
Leo ordered a cider and motioned to CJ, she pondered for a second.
“Have a drink, it’s on Margaret, or Abbey, or someone?”
CJ ordered a glass of wine and waited for the hostess to leave.
“What happened to the pink dress?”
"I put it in the back of the closet," CJ giggled nervously. "I looked like one of those ballroom dancers on Lawrence Welk."
"Oh God," Leo muttered.
"But I love the shoes."
"Let me see."
She pulled up the hem of her dress and let him get a look at the strappy flamingo pink sandals.
"Aren't your feet cold?" he asked.
"Positively frozen," she laughed. "But it doesn't matter." She smiled. "So, did you have real plans, or were you just stuck with me?"
“Dinner with the Agriculture Secretary. But Margaret gave it to Josh.”
“Ah, I’m beginning to feel like a work in progress,” CJ said softly.
Leo leaned across the table, “Work in progress?”
CJ waved her hands a little, “I told Toby I didn’t have a date, Carol overheard and I think the sisterhood did a little conspiring.”
“If you’re uncomfortable I can take you home.” His face fell at the thought.
She reached across and squeezed his hand, “Can I ask you something? The gifts, they weren’t from you?”
He shook his head, “I sent a lily. It was a long…”
“I remember. If you don’t have somewhere you’d rather be I’d like to have dinner.”
He smiled. "Dinner sounds good."
Their waitress brought their drinks and CJ sipped her wine before saying, "Josh caught sight of the lingerie Abbey sent me and told me not to expect sex." She laughed. "Not that I'd wear what Abbey sent, anyway, but..."
“Why not?” he asked.
“I like to leave a little to the imagination,” she whispered.
“Well that comment has sent my imagination into overdrive,” he replied.
CJ blushed and changed the subject. “So did you get any gifts?”
He smiled, “Mal bought me cufflinks and Abbey sent the tux. Margaret left candy and I’m guessing the socks were from you.”
“I’m not very original. This is from me too, in a roundabout sort of way.”
Leo opened the box, and gasped, “It’s beautiful, I lost the pen my mother gave me.”
CJ smiled and looked down at her empty plate. "Um... thank you."
"For?"
"The lily. It was beautiful. Much better than the 3 dozen pink roses that were supposedly from you." She looked back up and smiled shyly, a blush staining her cheeks pink. "I at least get a kiss good-night, right?"
Leo gazed at the pen, “Maybe. Can I ask you something?”
She nodded.
“Why me, why not Josh or Toby?”
She laughed, “I didn’t actually have a say in the matter.” She toyed with napkin, “Not that I’m complaining. I think you topped the office poll.”
Leo went wide eyed, “I topped the office poll for what, most in need of a date?”
CJ scowled, “No, I won that one.” She soften and took another sip of her wine. “Most fancible male, sexiest smile, bedroom eyes, take your pick.”
“Ah, I knew the candy would work.”
"What candy?"
"I sent candy to all of the assistants..."
"I think this was before the candy."
"Oh." He chuckled under his breath. "But would you have said yes if I had asked you to dinner?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because you're smart, you're handsome, sexy, and just an all-round lovely person, even if you are an asshole sometimes."
Leo made a gesture with his hand and smirked at her, saying, "Check, please -- I want to take you somewhere. Not here. Not a dance hall, not... I just want to take you somewhere so we can talk."
"Dinner first," she instructed with a smile.
“I don’t want to eat here, it’s over priced, and tacky, not where I would have chosen.”
CJ lowered her voice, “Then where?”
Leo leaned closer to her, “Ideally somewhere private, preferably without half of Washington in the wings.”
CJ gestured to the hostess for the check, “I have just the place, if we grab dinner on the way.”
"I'm sorry, but your dinner has already been paid for," the waitress said. "You can just go..."
"Okay, thank you," CJ said, standing up. "Gotta love Abbey for some things. I'll buy the real food."
"Okay," Leo said, following her out to get their coats.
She sat him down in her car and got behind the wheel. "You want coffee with dinner or not?"
“What I’d really like right now is a scotch.”
CJ tensed, “Leo?”
“I’m okay, just a little nervous. I don’t have dinner with beautiful women very often.”
CJ laughed, “Now we’re even, I’m nervous too.” She pulled out of the space and headed across town, lapsing into a nervous silence.
They stopped outside a Chinese restaurant and CJ reappeared a few minutes later carrying a bag of food and two cups of coffee. She handed the dinner to Leo and got in.
“How much do I owe you?” he asked.
CJ waved him off, “We’re not at the office now. It’s on me. Now where do you want to eat, my place is close or we can park up at the Iwo Jima and look out at the city?”
"It's too cold to look out over the city," he said. "Your place, I guess -- but it's not like a proposition or anything."
She smiled and started the engine. "I know that, Leo -- don't talk to me like I'm stupid. You don't do that to me -- please don't start now."
The drive to her building was silent, and she climbed out of the car, waiting for him and the food. "You've never been to my place, have you?" she asked.
“Only in my dreams,” he muttered under his breath. “No, but Josh likes to rave.”
“It’s my toaster you can grill bagels on the top. Never have the guys over for drinks….”
He shook his head, “Eighteen hours a day is enough for anyone.”
CJ led him through the lobby and into her apartment, something furry and orange slipped between her feet as she pushed the door open. Leo watched it head through the cap flap.
“Take it she doesn’t eat Chinese.”
The door opened and Leo got his first view of her private domain.
"Okay, Grizzy, get back from the door and let Leo in," CJ sighed, trying to step around the cat. "I got her at a shelter -- she's very possessive of me," she explained. "Poor cat's been abused and run over and this and that."
"Poor cat," Leo echoed, stepping around the purring cat and heading over toward the mismatched table and chairs. "You have a nice place," he commented mildly.
"You haven't seen anything but the dining room," CJ pointed out, going into the kitchen to get glasses and plates.
“Make yourself at home. I won’t be a minute.”
Leo hovered around the table and finally took a seat, looking around at the walls and photos hanging there. When she still hadn’t appeared a few minutes later he stood and headed down the hall, passing the sparse kitchen and finding himself outside her bedroom. He was about to enter when he spotted the mirror and CJ’s reflection as she dropped the dress to the ground.
He called out to her, “Sorry, I was getting hungry.”
CJ appeared in the centre of the room in her underwear clutching a sweater and pants, “It’s okay, are you blushing?” She grinned.
He mumbled in response.
“You’ve like seen me like this a thousand times,” he laughed.
“I really haven’t,” he replied, “And I’m going to help myself to food,” he called walking away.
“Damn.”
She tugged on her clothes and went back to the dining room, where she found him sitting there, watching Grizabella as she stretched out on the table.
"What's the matter?" CJ asked, pulling up a chair.
"Aren't you worried about cat hair in the food?"
"I normally don't eat out here," CJ replied, reaching for the lo mein. "Aren't you gonna eat?"
"What's its name?" Leo asked guardedly as he reached for the sweet & sour chicken, watching the cat lick itself.
"Her name is Grizabella. After one of the characters in T.S. Eliot's cat poems. Please pass the string beans." She gestured with her chopsticks and grinned. "You just can't get over her sitting with us at the table, can you?"
“No, she reminds me of someone in the office.”
CJ laughed loudly, “LEO. Grizzy down,” she tapped her gently and the cat disappeared in a flurry of fur.
“So, you said you wanted to talk.”
He concentrated on his food, “Did I?”
“Yeah, at the restaurant,” she prompted him. “How about some music? I have metallica.”
He looked at her in shock horror.
“I was kidding, lighten up.”
"I already kind of have."
"Okay, no music. What do we need to talk about? Certainly not work because we do that enough at work." She took a bite of her food and settled back into her chair.
"Nothing. We don't need to talk about anything right now -- especially after I walked in on you getting changed like that."
"Leo, grow up -- you know I have breasts and other female parts. And you think I don't know you like to sneak looks at me."
His face took on a nice shade of crimson as he tried not to choke on his food. CJ moved behind him and rubbed his back as he tried to swallow. Finally he sat back up and took a sip of coffee.
“You gotta stop saying things like that.”
“Why?” She asked taking the chair next to him and pulling her food closer. “I believe in honesty.”
“Cause I’m going to have a heart attack, and I’m not sure you’d want me to be entirely honest with you.”
CJ sat up straighter and put down her chopsticks, “If there’s anything you should know about me it’s that I don’t like being lied to and I don’t like secrets.”
"I already know about the lying to you part," Leo sighed, setting down his fork. "DO you just want me to go?"
"No, I want you to... well, that's not appropriate at the moment -- but I do want you to explain what the hell is going on with you today!"
“Nothing’s going on with me,” he snapped. “I’m just not very good at this,” he said waving his arms between them.
“Just because it didn’t work out with you and Jenny it doesn’t make you a failure.” There she said it.
“It happens, but if you don’t try again you’ll never know.”
“Thanks for the advice Oprah.”
CJ pushed her food away, “How about we try another angle. What do you like about me?”
"You're smart. And sexy. Beautiful." He shrugged and pushed his food away. "And I probably ought to go."
"Do I get my good-night kiss?" CJ asked, sighing. "Because you know Abbey and the girls will get upset if we didn't do something."
“I don’t go around kissing women to keep Abbey happy.”
CJ took a deep breath, “Fine. Then go.”
Leo got as far as the door before he turned and said softly, “Good night CJ.”
“Yeah, whatever Leo.” He left taking the cat with him.
She went backwards and forwards to the kitchen clearing the table and putting things in the trash. There was a knock at the door and she groaned as she went to answer it, fully expecting one of the neighbours bringing the cat back.
Leo stood leaning against the frame.
"Did you bring back my cat?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
"No."
"What then?"
"I just realized we took your car."
"Yeah."
"And I don't have a way to get home."
"So you've come to bum a ride, eh?"
"No."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah. It's snowing pretty heavy right now. I'm not going anywhere. So, I'm here to beg a place to stay the night."
"Where's Grizabella?"
"MEOW!" came the cat's voice just behind Leo's legs.
“You know if it wasn’t for the snow, which is freaky in itself, and the fact she seems to like you, I’d leave you there.”
She moved back to let him enter, the cat darted through, dashed into the sitting room and into her basket.
“I’ll get you blankets and pillows but you’ll have to take the couch.”
“It’s fine,” he said. “I’ve slept in my office on more than one occasion.”
CJ came out of the bedroom carrying the bedding and dumped it on the chair. She turned and he heard the bedroom door close. Kicking off his shoes he removed the tux and laid it over the chair. His fingers tugged at the bowtie and it fell to the ground. He climbed under the blanket in just his shorts and T-shirt and tried to sleep. The wind was getting up outside and the room was freezing. He shivered and pulled the covers tighter.
CJ lay in bed, her comforter pulled around her, tossing and turning. It was cold and she had only left him one blanket, guilt took over any anger she had. Finally she climbed out of bed and padded down the hallway.
His eyes were closed but he was shivering. CJ leaned in close to see if he was still awake. His eyes opened suddenly and she jumped.
"Jesus fucking CHrist!" she shouted, collapsing into the chair in a fit of the giggles. "Oh my God, Leo, don't scare me like that!"
"I'm cold," he muttered.
"I turned the heater up..."
"I have one blanket."
"Yeah, I know." She took a deep breath. "You want to come into my room? It's a little warmer."
“My back won’t take the floor.”
She allowed a small smile, “I wasn’t suggesting the floor.”
His eyes lit up and his voice rose an octave, “CJ!”
“Look if it makes it any easier imagine it’s Josh or Toby sleeping next to you.”
Leo made a face, “You’re perverse.”
“Yeah, and freakish, but hey I’m smart, sexy and always on hand to get your butt outta hole,” she sang.
“I’ll imagine it’s Abbey, now let’s go to bed.”
“And you call me perverse? “ She mumbled and headed back to bed. “And I gotta say if that’s your idea of foreplay it sucks.”
He grabbed her and twirled her around until she was facing him. "You wanted that goodnight kiss, didn't you?" he asked, looking into her stunned eyes.
"Uh..."
"Yes or no?"
"Yes," she whispered, licking her lips in anticipation.
“Then take it back,” he demanded.
She stared at him, “No.”
His fingers began to tickle her at the waist. She giggled in response.
“Take it back,” he ordered.
She opened her mouth to scream and his lips sought hers.
He swallowed her scream and left her there, stunned. "What the... oh my..." she stammered, blinking, before grabbing him and kissing him passionately and pushing him up against the wall.
He had no choice but to wrap his arms around her and kiss her back. He shivered as her hands made their way down his back to tenderly squeeze his backside.
Then suddenly she pulled away and headed to her bedroom, without a word.
"Hey, CJ, what the... what..." he said, following her.
"THAT was a good-night kiss," she muttered, climbing into bed and bunching the covers up around her.
Leo climbed in next to her and pulled the remaining covers around him.
“You know right then I thought we were getting somewhere,” he muttered.
“And where do you want to get to?” she mumbled in reply.
He rolled over to face her, “I was thinking somewhere about here,” he whispered cautiously sliding a few inches closer. When she didn’t hit him or respond he moved closer still, his nose barely touching hers, “Or here?”
"Oh, hey, warmth," she deadpanned.
"Funny girl."
"Oh yes, I really am." His breath was warm against her lips, tickling them. She opened her mouth slightly to take a breath.
Leo didn’t wait a second to consider it before he leaned in and kissed her, waringly at first, but as she shifted closer he grew more confident. One hand found it’s way into her hair as the other draped across her side. Holding her as close as he dared he thoroughly kissed her before he inched his face away.
“Better?”
She nodded.
He teased at her lips with his tongue and she parted them for him.
She draped one of her legs over his and tried to pull him a little closer as they kissed. They broke away for air, and she reached up to caress his cheek. "Yes, that's a very nice good-night kiss," she whispered.
“Want another one?” he asked, his hand moving to stroke her cheek.
“Not really,” she purred back at him, her eyes shining in the moonlight.
His face fell, “Oh.”
"A good-night kiss is all well and good... if you're saying good-night," she murmured, kissing his cheek, then the corner of his lips. "But we're not saying good-night, now, are we?" she asked, pulling away and searching his face for approval of her actions.
“Oh, I don’t know,” he whispered, “I think it could be a very good night.” His fingers tiptoed down her cheek and along her throat as she arched her neck back. Taking it as his cue he followed his fingers with his lips, stopping at the hollow of her neck. He looked back up at her.
“Did I mention earlier that you’re sexy, smart and beautiful?”
“I think we covered that,” she whispered willing him to continue.
"Yeah, but it makes me wonder why you're letting me do this," he thought, but he merely smiled outwardly and kissed her again, listening to her soft moan as he stroked her side gently.
Her arm snaked its way behind his neck and held him close as their tongues warred for control of position.
Seamlessly his mouth moved to the gap at the top of her pyjamas, his tongue flicking against the pale skin, as his finger freed the first button. His head moved lowered as he worked his way to her waist, her hands wrapped in his hair, her mind translating where this was going. Pushing back the fabric he marvelled at the softness of this woman who was so strong.
He unbuttoned her pyjama top the rest of the way, kissing her soft skin as he bared it. His lips lingered on one of her breasts for just a moment, and she whispered, "DOn't tell me you're getting shy now."
"Never," he laughed against her skin, inwardly wondering what she saw in him to be allowing him to do this to her.
Raising herself up to him he shrugged off the top and rested there, his lips over her breast, his fingers stroking her side.
She wanted him to talk to her, so used to words and not silences, to fill the room with his voice but as he circled her breast with his tongue she realised that like this it wouldn’t be them. This was going to about touch and body language, which was when she wondered when it was she started thinking there was going to be a them.
“Leo, she whispered.”
His voice vibrated against her as he mumbled her name in reply.
"We need to talk," she said quietly, trying not to gasp as he suddenly stopped his motions.
He pulled away and nodded, trying not to look dejected. He had known this would happen as soon as she realized that it was Leo she was encouraging, and not some pretty-faced young man.
“What’s next?” she asks, trying to sound off hand.
He goes for light hearted, “Well if you don’t know I must be doing something wrong.”
Her hand moves to caress his cheek.
“We’ve known each other a while, we became friends, if we do this now what’s next?” her voice is low but he knows she wants to be serious.
“Do you want to test drive me before you decide?” He realises it’s not what she expects to hear and it makes him smile to be so different to the guys that pester her.
"Don't sell yourself short, Leo -- you're not a brand new Jag, but you sure as hell aren't an old '56 Mustang, either."
"I almost bought a '56 Mustang, but that's beside the point," he said with a laugh.
"But to answer your question... I don't want to 'test drive' you." She sighed and rubbed her eyes with one hand. "I just... I don't want to lose your friendship if we do something we'll regret later. It's happened too many times to me before, Leo."
“Because we’re friends, because I don’t think we’ll regret it later I’ll be honest with you CJ. There hasn’t been anyone since Jenny.” He turns his eyes away then unsure what to expect.
“Oh.” Then a second later, “No one?”
He shakes his head and faces her, not yet having moved his body from hers.
“Until now. You may think it’s only words but I don’t start things if I can’t commit.”
She blinked then smiled. "Will you promise if something does happen that we'll stay friends?"
"I promise." He smiled and kissed her hand. "Is that enough talking? Because I'm kind of uncomfortable at the moment..."
"Just don't propose marriage to me, because it's not gonna happen. I'm not the marrying kind."
“Are you the co-habiting kind?” His eyes drop to disguise the grin.
She hears him and immediately wants to hit him but then her smile widens as she realises he has actually thought about this.
“Leo,” she says softly and he looks up into her eyes, “I’ve changed my mind about the test driving thing.”
Before he can react her lips are grazing his and she’s pulling at his t-shirt.
He wasn't quite sure how to take her admissions until now. Now he knew that they were getting in right up to their heads, and he was hoping that they wouldn't drown.
He relaxed into her arms, kissing her in return, allowing her to undress him slowly as his lips descended to kiss their way down her body.
"Leo..." she moaned in frustration. "Hold still -- you're making this... difficul..." She stopped speaking when his hand slipped beneath the waistband of her pajama pants.
“Ssh, you talk too much.” He says as his hand slips lower into the pants and his fingers touch her as if by accident.
She whimpers quietly before taking control. Her leg is around him and he is on his back before he can resist. She slides from his touch to memorise the lines of his body, the sensitive points that make him arch towards her, with her lips and fingers in sink he has no choice but to go with her. CJ’s hands are tweaking his nipples making him groan as her tongue leaves wet trails across his stomach.
She pulled back just a little bit to blow cool air over the wetness she had created on his belly, smiling as she watched him shiver and arch with a low, deep-throated moan.
He reached out to run his fingers through her hair, and bit back another groan as she continued to torture him.
Her hands seem to roam everywhere, her lips taking him on a wave of arousal until he can take it no more.
‘CJ,’ he whispers and she has to lift her head to hear him. ‘I need to…’
She murmured something in quiet understanding and continued to stroke his erection with her soft, velvety hand, tickling him with her fingernails.
He moaned and lost control, and she gathered the top sheet with one hand, gently wiping him off. She smiled and didn't say a word.
Leo watched her clean him up, in surprise and in awe, he had never had anyone do that for him before. He felt a small amount of embarrassment that he couldn’t wait but CJ was already crawling back up his body, her knee resting between his thighs.
She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "This feels so comfortable," she mumbled with a small smile. "I could get used to it."
"Yeah," he said quietly. "Want me to, uh, wake you up later, when I'm..."
"Oh, I'm still awake," she chuckled. "Just resting a little."
"Why should you get a rest?"
“Oh, I think you will appreciate the fact I had a rest later,” she whispered.
“Promises promises,” he chuckled. “Can I get a drink?’
CJ nodded, “There’s juice in the fridge, glasses on the drainer.”
Leo climbed out of bed and she watched as he walked down the hall, probably unaware of how cute he looked naked. She smiled, slipped out of her pyjamas and propped up the pillows, to wait for his return. He wandered back holding a glass of orange and stopped in the doorway at her grin.
"What are you smiling about?" he asked.
"You're very cute," she said, pulling back the covers so he could get back into bed.
"Cute is for babies and puppies," he muttered.
"And you."
"I'm not a baby or a dog."
"Point conceded."
"Good."
"But you're still cute."
He put the glass down on the nightstand and leaned over to tangle his hand in her hair, tugging her forward until he could kiss her hard on the mouth. When he released her she was flushed, her mouth still slightly open in surprise.
“I like to think of myself as rugged.”
“I’d like to think of you as naked and wanton,” she replied.
"Wrong person..."
"Right person," she purred, running her fingernails down his stomach.
"I'd rather think of you as naked and wanton..."
"Oh, I am, believe me, but, you know... not at the moment, because I'd rather see you that way." She smirked and slid her hands lower.
He gasped as her nails scratched the lower side of his shaft. He ran his hand up her side, stroking the side of her breast and back down again. She wriggled at his touch. Seizing the opportunity Leo lowered his head and flicked his tongue over the underside of the breast. CJ arched towards him with what sounded distinctly like a growl.
Leo raised his knee and ran it along the inside of her thigh.
"You're playing with fire..." she growled.
"I'll take care not to get burned," he replied, kissing her hungrily, relishing the taste of her on his tongue.
CJ’s closed a hand over his shaft and ran her thumb across his tip. She fully intended to take control of the situation until his knee teased at her opening, spreading the wetness along her thighs.
“Oh my CJ, you weren’t wrong about wanton.”
His fingers moved between them and dipped into the wetness. CJ shifted her body towards him.
“Leo, if you want to stay on my good side…’ she cried as his finger slid gently inside her.
"I'd definitely say this is your good side..." Leo whispered, moving his finger within her, rubbing his thumb over her clit, listening to her gasp and moan as he found just the right places to touch her.
"Oh... oh..." she gasped, her back arching as he caressed her. "S... stop..." she begged shakily.
He chose to disregard her last remark and slipped his second finger inside, adding pressure as she began to clench around him.
“Please,” she moaned, her hands ceasing to move against him anymore.
Nipping her nipple gently he whispered against her, “Please what?”
CJ dug her nails into his thigh as the first wave of warmth covered Leo. Instead of slowing down he increased the friction, her fingers leaving indentations on his hips.
Her entire body tensed and shook as she came, her eyes rolling back and her breath coming in slow, short gasps. She fell back onto the pillows with a moan and began panting, trying to regain her breath. "I... I wanted..." she tried to say, but had to stop to breathe.
"You wanted what?" Leo asked softly.
"I... wanted you... inside me," she finally managed to say.
Leo gazed at her, suddenly a little unsure of himself, “You sure?”
“Oh Leo, I’ve wanted you since you walked into that damn restaurant.”
His voice became even quieter, “I’ve wanted you since you first arrived in Manchester.”
CJ looked a little taken back but shook it off as she reached between then and rubbed her finger against herself then over his tip. He groaned and rolled her on top of him.
"You're too handsome for your own damn good," she giggled breathily, wondering in her mind when she had turned into an airhead.
"You've always been too beautiful for any good..." he said softly, stroking her back with one hand and playing with one of her breasts with the other.
Placing two hands firmly on his chest and positioning herself over him CJ lowered herself onto his tip and raised herself again. Leo smiled up at her as his hand cupped her ass ready to take control if necessary. CJ lowered herself again, a little further this time, and back up again.
“CJ,” he groaned on her fourth stroke. “You’re maddening.”
“Having trouble there Leopold?” she smirked.
“Yeah.”
“It’s easily sorted,” she whispered lowering her breasts to rub against the fine hairs on his chest. “Ask me?”
"Can I..."
She wriggled just a little, her body taking him in completely, and he lost all reason, not to mention all coherency, when she moaned with pleasure.
CJ arched her back and placed a hand on each of his thighs, gently rocking her body backwards and forwards, her moans becoming more audible with each stroke. Her eyes were closed and her head thrown back and Leo reached lowered down her back to guide her. Except she wouldn’t be guided, the motions were sweeping her along to orgasm. Leo felt her tighten around him as she screamed for him. He lifted his body to meet her thrusts and she exploded around him, all wet and warmth.
As she stilled slowly, he rolled her over and pinned her to the bed, his hands pinning her wrists to the bed by her sides, giving him leverage.
"Wha..." she managed to gasp before he was moving within her, pushing her back up the mountain -- not that she had far to go.
His thrusts were long and deep, hitting deep inside of her, making her whimper.
“Open your eyes,” he whispered, slowing his strokes.
CJ lifted her lids and found herself staring up into his eyes, and finding only desire for her and something else. Leo began to move again, losing himself in the pulses of her body. He gripped her hands harder and grinned wider.
“Are you ready?” he asked, pulling out one last time.
"God yes..." she moaned, whimpering. Her mouth opened but no sound came forth as he slid into her completely and began rocking his hips, putting pressure on just the right spots to make her want to die under his touch.
Leo watched her eyes and saw her slipping over the edge, her lids fluttering closed. Taking a sharp intake of breath he felt her tighten around him and went with her, allowing her to lead him into release.
She went limp beneath him, and just lay there, breathing deeply until her breathing evened out. Then she opened her eyes and looked up at him. "Why didn't we do this sooner?" she asked with a laugh. "It's terribly liberating."
Leo rolled to her side, propping himself up on one elbow, and letting the other rest languidly across her stomach. “My question is when can we do it again?” He stared across at her, and it unnerved her that he had completely let his guard down.
She laughed nervously, “Don’t you need to sleep?”
“I can manage on two hours a night.”
CJ pulled the blankets up to cover them. Leo lifted his hand but she pushed it back down and laid the comforter over it.
"I need a little sleep," she said quietly, still a little shaky from realizing the depths of emotion in his eyes.
"Okay," he said softly, reaching up to brush her hair back out of her eyes.
CJ shifted down the bed and turned to lay across him, her head nestled on his chest, her fingers stroking his side.
“Good night Leo.”
He heard her breathing change as she drifted off to sleep against him.
He smiled a little, knowing that it would take quite a bit to woo her, but he felt he was up to the challenge.
When CJ awoke the next morning the space next to her was empty, newly vacated she guessed as his scent lingered on the sheets. Pulling a sheet around her she walked down the hallway and found him standing at the window.
“Good morning,” she called.
He turned and grinned at her and her heart skipped a beat. Bare footed and dressed in his tux pants he looked totally at home in her space. Leo took a deep breath when he saw her, the sheet barely concealing her naked body, her hair falling around her face and her eyes wide and happy.
“You are what they mean when they say natural beauty.”
CJ blushed and looked at her feet.
He crossed to her and gently lifted her chin, “I’m sorry if I made you feel awkward.”
CJ shook her head, “Not awkward. You make me feel as though you’re undressing me with your eyes.”
His lips quirked up into a satisfied smirk. "Maybe I am," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "You want some coffee?"
"Yes, please..." She sat down, adjusting the sheet around her, watching him move around her apartment with effortless ease.
“I called the driving service, a car will be here in an hour,” he announced handing over the mug.
CJ allowed the sheet to slip off her shoulder and reveal the curve of her breast.
“That’s a shame coz I was just going to take a shower,” she smirked.
He watched as she turned away and dropped the sheet to the ground.
"CJ," he managed to croak.
She turned to look over her shoulder. "Hmmm?"
"I don't know if this is a good idea."
"It's probably a piss-poor idea, actually, but who cares?"
With that she was gone and he was left staring at an empty doorway. He heard the pipes creak as she turned the water on and the soft sound of her humming under the spray. He knew it was a bad idea, hell the whole thing was a bad idea, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to do it. Unzipping the pants he left them in the middle of the living room floor and headed in the direction of the bathroom.
CJ smiled as he pulled the curtain out of the way and just watched her in the swirling miasma of steam. "Get in here -- that air's cold!" she laughed, grabbing him by the wrist and pulling him into the tub with her. Her smile widened and she traced his lips gently with her fingertip, then kissed him softly.
When she released him he gave her a grin and slid to his knees before her. Gently he stroked her thighs and inched them apart, his fingers tracing tiny hearts in her curls.
“God, you’re beautiful,” he whispered as his thumb teased at her folds. She shuddered as he made contact with her clit and rubbed lightly around it.
"Leo..." she whispered, moaning.
"Yes?" he replied, continuing his gentle ministrations.
"Oooohhhhh..." she moaned, arching against his hand.
“Do you want me to stop?” he asked pausing to suck lightly on her thigh.
“No,” she growled clutching his shoulder.
Leo’s lips followed a simple path , stopping to kiss her curls before his fingers parted her folds and his lips closed around her swollen sex.
She staggered, losing her balance. She ended up with her back against the wall, and her head knocked against the shower fixture. But instead of moaning in pain, she began laughing hysterically, tears running down her cheeks to mingle with the shower's spray.
“Damn,” he muttered, “Are you okay?”
CJ nodded, “Shit it hurts. How come this never happens in the movies?”
He grinned, “Maybe because I’m no Rob Lowe.”
“No, you're not Rob Lowe, but then again, I never liked him much," CJ laughed, sinking to the floor with his help. She moaned and held the side of her head for a moment. "I much preferred John Spencer -- that cute guy on LA Law."
“Ah,” he said stroking the side of her head. “In which case I’m sure it would go something like this.” He leaned forward to brush his lips against hers and didn’t break for air until she had been thoroughly kissed and was gasping for air
"We... we need to get ready for work," she whispered a moment later, taken aback.
He nodded, reluctant to pull away, yet unsure where he wanted it to lead.
“I need you to get out first,” she prompted.
He continued to sit there.
“Leo?” she asked.
He closed his eyes to ask his next question, “Have dinner with me tonight.” He waited with baited breath for her answer.
"If we have time," she said quietly. "Or some emergency doesn't come up." She looked up at him and smiled a little.
“Well, well that’s okay then,” he said standing and helping her out of the tub.
CJ leaned into him as she reached for a towel and began to dry herself.
“Your place or mine?” she purred.
"Mine, because we've already seen the intimate side of yours," he laughed. He reached over to take her hand and kiss it softly. "I enjoyed last night, Claudia, I really did."
“And there was Josh saying I wouldn’t get sex,” she commented before looking back up at him. “Except it wasn’t just sex. Leo last night was special.”
He squeezed her hand, “I have a feeling every night we spend together will be special.” He chuckled, “God that sounded corny.”
"Sweet, not corny," CJ said with a soft smile. "We'd better get going. Or we're going to be late."
She stood up and headed for the closet to find some clothes.
He hovered for a second and then moved about the house collecting his clothes. She was still in the bedroom when he heard the car horn outside.
“CJ, that’s me. I’ll see you at the office.”
He made it as far as the door before he spun around and walked back into the bedroom. CJ was leaning over the mirror applying the last of her make up when he slipped his arms around her.
“I’m not going to make the same mistake as I did with Jenny,” he said turning her in his arms and brushing her lips with the gentlest of kisses. “Until later.” With that he left.
She smiled and pressed her fingers to her lips before reapplying her lipstick.
CJ arrived at the West Wing grinning to herself and humming something inane off the radio. She headed straight for her office.
Um, hi," Carol said. "Did you have a nice dinner last night?"
"I ought to kill you guys," CJ said mildly with a smile.
“Leo hasn’t arrived yet,” Carol said. “Did you come in together?”
"Nope. I haven't seen him since he dropped me off at home last night," CJ lied.
“Okay.” Carol handed her the messages, waited until she opened the door, and followed her inside.
CJ gasped when she saw her office and began to laugh.
Almost every surface in the room was filled with red roses, and Leo sat in her chair, covered in rose petals. "You've got this whole 'American Beauty' thing going on, don't you?" she laughed.
Carol giggled behind her and within seconds the outer office was filled with assistants. They all sighed deeply as CJ crossed the room and stood over him.
CJ looked over her shoulder at them and rolled her eyes. "Okay, girls, scatter." She turned back to Leo and bent down to gently kiss him on the forehead. "One rose would have been enough."
“Ah, but after all their trouble I had to give them something to hold on to.”
“You might not feel that way when you get your credit card bill.”
He shrugged. "I can handle it."
"One rose, Leo," she whispered, picking up a petal and brushing his nose with it, a smile on her lips.
“Next valentines Day I’ll buy you one rose. But for what I had in mind I needed a few more,” he whispered standing to kiss her. “Happy Valentine’s Claudia.”
She smiled and kissed him in return. "Happy Valentine's Day, Leo."
The assistants shared a dreamy sigh in the doorway, since they had, quite obviously, not scattered like instructed.
The End