“This sounds ideal,” CJ announced. “A two bedroom bungalow on the beach. It has it’s own deck even.”

“I still don’t understand why we’re doing this,” Leo grumbled for the third time in as many minutes as he scanned through a brochure.

“Because the President has been re-elected and he wants you to take a well deserved break,” CJ said. “And under the circumstances he ordered that I accompany you.”

Leo rolled his eyes.

“Oh, you’re like this. There’s fishing, deep sea, and off the jetty. What could be more relaxing than that?”

“Bungee jumping,” he offered sarcastically.

CJ lowered the brochure and grinned. “Nope, but there is paragliding. It says here that it’s a peaceful resort. Couples mostly, no children and just about everything’s included.” CJ got to her feet and held her hand out for his credit card.

“You mean I have to pay for the privilege?”

“Hey, it’s cheap at half the price. Seven days in a Caribbean with yours truly,” she retorted, dialling the number on the back of the brochure. “No cell phones, no pagers, no spin boys, what could possibly go wrong?”

******

"What could possibly go wrong?" Leo echoed a few days later when they finally got onto their third connecting flight.

"Okay, so I didn't know that we would be plane hopping," CJ protested sharply, shoving her pilot case beneath the seat in front of her.

"CJ, we went from DC to Newark, to St. Louis, to Tampa, and now we just might get down to Barbados..."

"I get the point," she muttered, flopping into her seat. "At least we have legroom."

"This is the last time I take a vacation," Leo sighed, sitting down beside her.

"I'm sorry, sir, but this is my seat," a man said over his shoulder.

Leo glanced over at him. "CJ..."

"Like this couldn't get any better," CJ chuckled. "Leo, go to your real seat, will you?"

Leo scowled at her, than at the man. "This is my girlfriend..."

"And this is my seat," the man replied.

“I give up,” Leo groaned, making a point of knocking the man as he stood up and walked to the rear of the plane. Settling himself in his seat he fastened the seatbelt and waited for take off.

Twenty minutes into the flight the plane lurched from side to side and Leo opened his eyes. The captain’s announcement over the tanoy did nothing to settle Leo’s stomach as he announced that they would be experiencing mild turbulence and everyone should stay in their seats. Ten minutes later Leo gripped the armrests as the plane shook and the overwhelming urge to throw up took over his body.

Leo handed the sick bag over to the flight attendant just as the plane stilled and the seatbelt sign went off. He cursed under his breath and vowed that from then on he was going by car--because like that was safer.

CJ unfastened her seatbelt and wandered up the aisle. She stopped as she reached the row in front of Leo’s and leaned over. “Hey handsome.”

Leo looked up and slowly released his death grip on the armrests. His face was white and his eyes looked decidedly bloodshot as he fought off the mild nausea in his stomach.

“You don’t look so good,” she commented dryly.

"I don't feel so good," he grunted.

"We'll pick up some ginger when we land," she promised. "Can I sit with you?"

"Why -- Mr. I'm perfect, gimme the damn seat isn't good enough company?" Leo gritted out.

"No... because you don't feel well," CJ said softly, moving to sit beside him. "And besides, I gave my seat to a lady with a baby." She grinned and freed his hand from the armrest to bring it to her lips for a kiss.

Leo glanced around the plane and back towards her.

“Oh for Christ’s sake Leo, stop it. He’s in his second term, no one’s gonna care if we’re on vacation together,” she groaned.

“It’s not that,” he mumbled quietly. “I’m still not use to all this.” He gestured with his hand and sighed.

“Which is why the President sent us away in the first place.”

“I know. And you’re not mad about me wanting to have my own room?”

She chuckled and shook her head. "Not unless you're annoyed with me making all the plans..."

"Well, I am, but that can wait," he said quietly.

"Feeling any better?" she asked, rubbing his hand.

"A little."

"I don't suppose you want to talk about what we're going to do for dinner tonight...?" she asked.

Leo groaned.

“Excuse me, may I sit down now?” a young redhead asked, hovering in the aisle.

CJ glanced at Leo and he shrugged. “I’m sorry, I’ll go back to my own now.” As she headed off back down the aisle CJ turned and shot him a warning glance.

Leo grinned back at her and aided the passenger into her seat. After a few seconds she struck up a conversation and he forgot all about his upset stomach until the plane prepared for landing.

The tyres hit the runway, lifted into the air and continued to bunny hop across the tarmac.

Finally the captain hit the brakes and the plane screeched to a halt. Leo glanced across his companion and went wide-eyed as he spotted the next plane not twenty feet away, or at least it didn’t look much further.

As soon as the aircraft was secure Leo unfastened his belt and stood with the rest of the passengers, oblivious to the seatbelt sign.

He saw CJ further up, pulling his bag out of the overhead bin and smiling at her seatmate. His brow crinkled and he was anxious to get up there and get her away from him.

"It was nice to meet you, Mr. McGarry," Tricia, the redhead, said with a smile.

“Yeah, and you. Good luck with the oceanography degree,” he replied, giving her a quick grin and then pushing his way towards CJ.

The other passengers cursed and mumbled at him as he finally reached CJ. “Hey, I’ll take that,” he said, grabbing the bag and hitting the guy on the head.

“Oy.”

“Sorry.”

“You’re color has improved. Ready for a bumpy bus ride?” she asked, grinning and following him towards the door. “It says twenty minutes so I’m guessing we should be there in an hour.”

"I can handle it," Leo said with a crooked grin, kissing her lightly on the lips, much to her surprise.

"What was that for?" she asked when they were deplaning a minute later.

"What was what for?"

"The kiss, Leo."

"Oh... well... it seemed like a good idea at the time," he said with a shrug.

“Can I expect more of the same?” CJ followed the stream of passengers as they walked across the tarmac and into the main building. CJ stopped and lowered her bag to the ground.

“What you doing?”

“It’s like seventy five Leo, I’m taking off my jacket,” CJ sighed.

“Oh. You want more of the same?” he teased, picking up her bag and walking away.

“Bring it on baby, bring it on,” she called after him.

She slung her jacket over one arm and hurried after him. "Hey, next time we go somewhere on vacation," she puffed, finally catching up, "remind me to wear something comfortable on the plane, will ya? These shoes are killing me."

Leo chuckled. "I'm fine."

"That's because you're a businessman freak," CJ grumbled. "When we get to the hotel, I'm going to change into something flimsy and revealing."

Leo swallowed hard. “ ‘kay.”

It took almost an hour to clear emigration and collect their baggage. Theirs being the last two cases to appear. At least they arrived, CJ thought, which was more than she was expecting. The bus was waiting for them, and the other ten people who were staying at the same hotel. As Leo loaded their luggage into the bus, CJ bagged two seats in the middle of the air conditioned bus and stole glances at the other passengers.

The first thing that struck her was how good-looking they all were. The second was that the women weren’t wearing all that much and the third that they all looked to be having a good time already.

Leo ambled up the bus and fell into the seat next to her.

She reached for his hand and smiled. "So, you enjoying yourself yet?" she joked.

"Not really, but there are perks to me putting up with this crap, right?"

"There's one right there," CJ said, gesturing at a skinny blonde with a large chest across the aisle from Leo.

He glanced over, turned bright red, then looked back at CJ. "I can't believe you just did that," he hissed.

"I wish I could fill a bikini like that," CJ moaned in despair.

“I like you just the way you are,” he grinned then shook his head. “What I meant is you’re beautiful. Hell, I can’t wait to see you in your bikini.”

CJ leaned in close to his ear and whispered teasingly, “I was planning on going topless.”

Leo gulped and stared at his hands.

Settling back against the cushion CJ listened to what the driver was saying and concentrated on the scenery. She smiled as she felt Leo entwine his fingers with hers.

They sat in silence until the bus pulled up at the hotel. CJ held Leo back in his seat until the other passengers had climbed off, then sighed.

“What?” he asked softly, finally getting to his feet and helping her up.

“It’s beautiful.”

Leo looked out the window and had to agree. It was lush, green and even inside the main building he could see running water.

"It is," he agreed with a smile. "So, what do you want to do first?"

"Get to my room and get a shower," she chuckled. "I hate flying around."

"Okay," Leo said, helping her off the bus. "I'm not wearing shorts."

"Leo..."

"I meant like shorts, not underwear -- I'm not going smokeless," Leo protested, his voice getting shrill.

"Relax, I know what you meant. I had Margaret buy you some khaki shorts because I knew

you wouldn' pack any," CJ grinned.

Leo shook his head and mentally cursed the conspiracy that was the West Wing women. Approaching the desk he told the receptionist who he was and she handed him the appropriate paperwork to sign.

“You’ve chosen a good week, Sir,” she announced, placing a set of keys on the counter. “It’s singles week.”

Leo raised an eyebrow. "I'm not exactly single," he protested.

The desk attendant nodded with a smirk. "Yes, sir."

"What -- I'm not!" Leo said indignantly, turning to look for CJ. She had been cornered by a big potted palm by a guy that was taller than she was and that had a set of washboard abs you could literally balance a serving tray on.

“Well here a list of activities, and a box of condoms. Should Sir require any more, the boutique is well stocked.”

Leo continued to watch CJ as she smiled and chatted with guy. He felt a knot pull tighter in his stomach.

“Dinner?”

“No thank you.”

“Breakfast?” the guy asked with the worst Italian accent she had ever heard.

“NO. Look, I’m with someone.”

“Your father, yes, lose him. I promise you a holiday to remember,” the man said, leaning in.

CJ took a step closer to the potted plant. She smiled weakly. “He’s my boss. We’re having a torrid love affair and I really don’t want to lose the income.”

The man raised an eyebrow. "What is a beautiful young woman like you doing with a piece of wet toast like that?"

"He's very good in the sack," CJ snapped, turning and trying to walk away. The man grabbed her wrist, but she shook him off with a cold stare. "Let go of me," she said, stalking back to Leo. "We came during raging hormone week," she growled.

"That's your doing, not mine," Leo said, handing her the key to the bungalow.

A young boy of about fourteen appeared at their side and lifted the bags. “Me show you to your room,” he muttered, taking the key and heading off at speed.

“I guess we follow,” Leo said, trying to get his little legs to take the necessary strides to keep up.

Every so often the boy would stop, wait and then head off again, CJ following closely behind.

As they walked they took a tour of the complex. The main swimming pool was lively as people dived into the water while others were drinking on the side. CJ didn’t even want to imagine what the two couples were doing in the whirlpool. As they headed through the trees Leo spotted small buildings in the distance. Privacy, at least in their own room, was not going to be a problem.

Finally the boy stopped outside a small lodge and opened the door.

CJ followed him in and smiled at what she saw. The main room was small but cool with the ceiling fan on full. Off of it were two fair sized double rooms and a bathroom. Beyond the patio doors she could make out the deck and the beach.

"This looks good," she said, reaching for her purse to tip the young man.

"I get you drink, yeah?" the boy suggested.

"Oh, no thank you," CJ said, handing him a $10 bill. "I assume you can get that exchanged -- I don't have anything else right now."

"That fine, miss. No drink?"

"No, but thank you." CJ glanced up at Leo who had just come into the doorway.

"I go now," the boy said, scurrying off.

"That kid is strange," Leo puffed after he'd gotten inside and collapsed onto the couch.

"Maybe just a little," CJ admitted. "I'm going to get a shower and get changed, okay?"

Leo nodded and closed his eyes for a second. When he opened them again she was gone. Grinning he wandered out onto the deck and settled himself onto a patio chair.

The sea was calm and the beach looked practically deserted compared to the rest of the complex. He wondered how long that was going to last.

Leo had never been much of a beach person. In fact he wasn’t much of a vacation person and if the truth be known it was only the prospect of seven days uninterrupted with CJ that had convinced him to come.

“Aren’t you going to get changed?” CJ asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Looking up Leo’s eyes went wide and his jaw dropped.

CJ glanced down at herself and then back up at him. "I'm not naked, Leo, stop gawking, will you?"

"I'm... I'm not," Leo protested, coughing. "You look wonderful."

CJ smoothed down her shirt. "I thought we could go for a walk, and then come back here and talk for a while," she said.

Leo licked his lips and nodded. Looking the way she did in a wrap-around halter top and short shorts should be illegal -- or at least prohibited on Sundays by law, he thought as he couldn't get his eyes to leave the little bit of midriff she had exposed.

“Maybe you could lose the jacket, roll up your sleeves or something,” CJ suggested, placing her hands over her stomach.

Leo glanced up reluctantly. “I’m fine really. Is there any ginger ale in the fridge?”

“And lots of bottled water,” she replied, disappearing into the room.

Shrugging out of his jacket and throwing it over the couch Leo followed.

She came back out a moment later with a simple pair of khaki shorts in her hands. She displayed them and he narrowed his eyes. "They're the right size," she said, tossing them at him. "Really, Leo, Italian linen doesn't withstand water very well, and I don't want your pants to get ruined."

He sighed deeply. "Fine, CJ."

"Besides, I want to see your knees -- they can't be as bad as you say they are," CJ said, disappearing back into her bedroom for some beach shoes.

“I burn easily,” he called after her. “I’ll end up lobster red for the rest of the trip.”

“You have two choices mi amour. Take the pants off yourself or I’ll do it for you.” CJ stifled a grin from the bedroom doorframe as Leo practically ran for his room.

He reappeared a few seconds later, wearing the shorts, a pair of sneakers and without his tie.

CJ leaned to one side and appraised his knees. She chuckled and shook her head. "Unbutton your shirt a little," she instructed.

"NO!"

She raised an eyebrow and stepped forward to unbutton his top three buttons. "There," she said, "very sexy."

"But what if I don't want to be sexy?"

"I want you to be sexy."

"For who? You or the little sex maniacs around here?"

"ME!"

His grin worked its way up to his eyes and he rocked on the balls of his feet like a naughty schoolboy. “Really?”

“Stop being cute and let’s go for that walk,” she groaned, locking the patio doors before taking his hand.

He thought they must look funny. This tall, sexy woman looking every part the beach babe and the short hairy man tugging on her hand. He didn’t see the young women playing volleyball stop playing to watch his butt disappear up the beach. But he didn’t miss the windsurfers waving at CJ.

The beach seemed to go on for miles, pale, almost white sand and the clear turquoise lapping at the shore. It was perfect and Leo held CJ’s hand tighter, gazing up at her as he walked.

"Want to go wading?" CJ asked with a smile.

"If you want to," Leo said, a little wary.

"It's not like I'm asking you to go skinny-dipping," she teased with a smile, leaning down to kiss him softly.

"We've got the kissy thing down, I think," Leo said wryly, pulling her down to the water's edge. "Maybe we can try for something... more intimate?"

"Not tonight," CJ said, pulling her sandals off and stepping into the surf. "I just want to relax and unwind tonight..."

“Okay.” He watched as she took a few tentative steps into the water, then removed his shoes, tucking the key into them. “How many pairs of shorts did you bring?” he asked casually.

“Plenty, why?”

Leo grinned and took two determined steps towards her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Because this pair’s going to get wet.” Tugging gently and knocking her off balance he pulled her into the waves.

She shrieked and fell on her backside, the breakers rushing up into her face over and over again, making her choke and splutter until Leo caught hold of her and pulled her up again.

She stood there in his arms for a long time, just coughing and trying to breathe. "That... wasn't... funny..." she managed to croak.

"No, it wasn't -- are you all right?" he asked worriedly, checking her over.

She nodded. "I'm okay."

"I didn't mean to..."

"I know. It's okay -- don't worry about it," she said dismissively, pushing some of the soaked straggles of hair out of her eyes.

“Hey I like that look on you,” he said quietly.

“Bedraggled?”

“Youthful, relaxed and beautiful.”

CJ flushed lightly under his scrutiny. “Thank you.”

“The sun’s still up. How about you slip into your bikini and I order room service? We can eat on the deck and talk,” he suggested thoughtfully. “I don’t feel much like being around noisy kids tonight.”

"Me either," she confessed with a laugh. "The guy that chatted me up in the lobby almost killed me with his noxious cologne..."

"Singles week," Leo muttered in disgust.

A guy bounded over. "Hey, is she okay?" he asked.

Leo glared, and the kid scowled back, clearly wondering what CJ was doing with him.

"I'm fine," CJ assured the man, putting her arm around Leo's waist, and her other hand on his chest. "We're just having a well-earned vacation."

“We’re having a party tonight if you want to come,” he announced. “Ours is the bungalow further down the beach,” he added pointing two hundred yards down. He smiled at her as he jogged away.

“Party for two, no doubt, “ Leo mumbled.

CJ shook her head and rubbed his chest. “Now did you say something about dinner?” Kissing his crown she picked up her shoes and started to head back.

Over dinner they chatted about anything and everything. Having been friends and colleagues for over five years they slipped in and out of topics without awkwardness. After dinner they sat on the deck and watched the sun go down and lights twinkle in the distance. It was pleasant and relaxing and all the fears Leo had harboured about CJ’s expectations slipped away.

CJ yawned from her place on the sun lounger and glanced over at Leo. He was still sat upright in his chair but his eyes were closed. CJ smiled and stood up. Silently she made her way over to him and leaned in to kiss him softly.

Leo opened his eyes and rubbed his face. “Sorry, I don’t know what’s come over me.”

“You’re tired. It’s been a long day. I’m going to bed,” she whispered, tracing his cheek with her fingertips. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

He stood and followed her into the bungalow. He waited as she closed the bedroom door behind her before going into his own room.

The sound of music and shouting brought Leo to his senses. He groaned and glanced at his watch in the darkness. 12:30am. The noises were getting louder and he could hear people on the beach outside.

His door opened and CJ crept forward in the darkness. "You awake?" she asked.

"HOW COULD I NOT BE AWAKE?!"

"Don't yell at me," CJ sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed, facing him in the darkness. "Want me to go out and enforce curfew?"

"Josie gave me a nightstick for Christmas," Leo quipped. "I think I packed it..."

"Let me get dressed and go tell them to keep it down or get lost," she said, leaning over and kissing him on the cheek. "Who knows -- maybe they're having an orgy and I can get some."

"CJ!" Leo spluttered.

"What? It's not like we're doing anything," she said, getting up and leaving the room.

Leo groaned and turned over. He spent exactly ten seconds thinking about it before he jumped out of bed and pulled on a pair of pants.

CJ’s room was empty and the doors to the beach were open.

Bare foot and shirtless Leo headed out onto the deck and down the steps. Most of the noise seemed to be coming from the direction of the pool and the distance. Silently he walked across the sand. He hadn’t gotten very far when he caught sight of something in the water.

He stopped and glanced in that direction. The woman was topless and she was wrapped around a man’s waist as the water swelled around them. Leo shuddered as he realized what they were doing and quickly carried on up the beach.

He hurried forward when he saw CJ disappear into the bungalow, near panic. What would happen if she... His steps quickened and he rushed forward into the cottage.

CJ was across the room, screaming at the top of her lungs about trying to get some sleep, and wasn't that what a vacation was for, and her husband being exhausted and needing his rest.

Leo pushed through the crowd to come up behind her. "So much for the orgy," he said in her ear.

"I've already been asked if I would like to be the third in a daisy chain since I walked in here," CJ said in exasperation.

"Look, lady, we're here for fun, a party, and sex. There's no relaxation this week...." a woman who was barely more than 18 said as she poured herself another shot of tequila.

CJ grabbed the bottle and threw it across the room, watching with satisfaction as it shattered on the far wall. The music suddenly went on pause and every face in the room was trained on her.

"If you would like to continue being on this island, you'd better quiet down a little, or I will call my friends at the diplomatic consulates and have you all forcibly removed. THANK YOU!" she yelled, turning on her heel and stalking away.

Leo gulped. “Look, all we’re asking is that you turn the volume down a little tonight. The sex and fun, by all means continue,” he grinned.

“Hey you,” a southern drawl whispered in his ear. “Wanna come back to my place?” Her hands slid around his waist and began to head towards his chest. “I’m an exotic dancer.”

Leo glanced towards the door helplessly.

CJ, as if having heard the entire exchange, whirled around and stormed back to grab Leo and drag him toward the door. "You're here with ME," she reminded him in an angry hiss.

"I know," Leo replied, regaining his balance.

It was CJ who slid on the wooden stairs in the dark and plunged down at a frantic pace, landing in the sand in a heap with a shriek.

It was Leo that fell behind her, landing beside her in a knotted mass of bone and torn muscles.

It was CJ that laughed first.

It was Leo that reached for her first.

"What do you say we go back and show each other how glad we are to be here together?" he suggested, hauling himself to his feet so he could help her up.

“I didn’t bring you here to jump you,” CJ said softly. “And you don’t have to prove anything to me.”

Pulling her upright Leo shook his head. “I didn’t want you to be the only woman on the island not getting any,” he teased.

As they walked barefoot through the sand Leo slipped his arm around her waist and grinned when she followed suit. “I don’t know what you were so worried about, Leo,” she commented. “If the knees and chest are anything to go on, you have the body of a man half your age.”

“You really want a toy boy?”

“Nah. I wouldn’t make a very good teacher,” she laughed, nervously.

"CJ, if you don't want to..."

"Tonight I just want to rest," CJ said quietly. "So I can plan the best way to kill some little snots tomorrow."

Leo laughed out loud and put his arm around her waist as they walked down the beach back to their bungalow. "I think I like this vacation idea a little more, now that we're talking about exterminating a generation of bad voters..."

“Some of them are democrats.”

“Yeah, but with genetic engineering we can clone more,” he deadpanned, waiting as she climbed the steps to the deck. “Hey stop a minute.”

“What?”

Leo jumped a few steps until he was stood looking at her face to face. “This,” he whispered, wrapping his arms around her neck and leaning in gently. As his lips covered hers, a low moan emanated from CJ. Leo deepened the kiss, his hands moving across her body as his lips devored hers hungrily. Finally he pulled away and grinned. “A good night kiss.”

"For a good night kiss, that was more like a 'god I wanna jump you now' kiss..." she whispered, edging away and going up the stairs.

Leo followed her, then stopped right behind her and said, "It is an 'I wanna jump you now' kiss..."

"Tomorrow," she whispered, turning to kiss him fleetingly, then going inside.

Sighing Leo took the steps back to the sand. Ignoring the fact that he was going to end up with sand in his Italian silk trousers he sat down on the ground and sat watching the waves.

The noise at the end of the beach had been toned down and the couple in the sea had disappeared. He was the only person out there and it was strangely peaceful.

As he watched the waves crashing against the shore he failed to notice the two girls approaching him until they say down next to him.

“Hey.”

Leo stole a glance at each of them and nodded. “Hi.”

“I’m Abby,” the redhead announced.

“And I’m Hiliary,” the small blonde said. “Whatya doing out here all alone?”

“Thinking,” he mumbled, wondering what CJ’s problem was.

“Ah, wife or girlfriend?”

“Girlfriend.”

Hiliary dropped her sarong and stood up. “We can help with that. Come skinny-dipping with us. It’s exhilarating.”

What Leo didn't know was that CJ was watching him out the window of her bedroom, eyes narrowed and tears stinging in them.

"Look, I really..." Leo began. His voice left him when Abby untied the single knot that held her bikini top in place and she slid out of it.

"Come on," Hiliary whined, grabbing Leo's hand and tugging him to his feet.

CJ let the blind snap back into place and she went to lie down, her entire body flushed with anger, but her heart cold.

As they reached the water’s edge Leo stopped and dropped her hand. “Not tonight,” he said softly. “But I’ll see you around.”

Both girls scrunched up their faces but blew him a kiss, diving beneath the water and waving as they swam into the distance.

Leo took a deep breath and walked silently back to the room. Closing the doors effortlessly behind him he went to bed.

CJ managed finally to fall into a fitful sleep, only to be awakened by the sun pouring into her room. She moaned and covered her exhausted eyes, wishing she wasn't so tired. Because maybe if she wasn't so tired, her head wouldn't be pounding, and if her head wasn't pounding, maybe she wouldn't want to throw up.

That line of reasoning didn't hold up very well as she literally fell into the bathroom between her bedroom and Leo's and she was retching in the sink until she was throwing up merely because she couldn't stop.

She was angry at Leo. She was pissed as hell at him for going after two children -- maybe that was how Jenny had felt when she had seen him with CJ...

She was tired. Too many weeks of no sleep and now a chance to recoup and she couldn't even do it.

Her head hurt worse and worse, and she finally stopped vomiting, her pained moans taking over finally.

Leo appeared in the doorway, his chest bare and the khaki shorts looking far too good. “I was going to suggest breakfast but. . .Not feeling well?” he asked, concerned.

“Migraine,” she lied.

“Want some Advil?”

She nodded and indicated her bag on the vanity. He might as well make himself useful.

He handed her a glass of water and two pills before sitting on the edge of the bath. “It’s really quiet out there. Everyone’s still asleep.” Leo was worried about her color and his plans for the day fell away. “You should hop back into bed.”

"I'll be fine," she said through clenched teeth as she took the pills. "If we're going to do something today, we should do it now while everyone is still asleep." She flinched and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"No, CJ, you're going back to bed," Leo said firmly, propelling her out of the bathroom and back to bed.

Pulling back the sheet Leo helped her climb onto the mattress before covering her up. Hitting the switch on the wall he turned the ceiling fan on. “You rest. I’m going to get some breakfast.”

As he walked up past the pool Leo could help but notice the half dressed couples curled up on loungers and the empty bottles scattered about. Singles week obviously was nothing more than a party.

He ate alone in the restaurant, wondering what was wrong with CJ.

CJ, meanwhile, was curled up under the covers in a little ball, wondering why menopause was such a pain in the ass, and why all men were idiots.

She also vaguely wondered where Leo was -- probably off with his two little lesbian strip-club friends, if she had to lay a wager on it.

Somehow, that made her feel worse.

Eventually she fell back to sleep, gripping the covers tightly and wondering why she couldn’t seem to keep a man.

******

Leo sat on the jetty, watching the other men fish. He’d been sorely tempted to try his hand but his heart wasn’t in it. Instead he was thinking about CJ. When he gone back after breakfast she had been sleeping soundly and not wanting to wake her he’d decided to head out for the morning.

This whole taking it slowly, getting to know her and stuff was all right by Leo. Except now he was surrounded by young, bronzed and up for it young men, everything he wasn’t. If there was anything to convince CJ to finish it she should take a good look around.

Leo walked back towards the cottage carrying the brochure in one hand. A nighttime boat trip seemed the ideal opportunity to spend a relaxing evening. He didn’t somehow think the party kids would be interested in that.

He went in to check on CJ, and found her sitting in a ball in the corner of the room, staring out onto the balcony, and beyond that, to the ocean.

"Hey," he said.

She jumped and turned to look at him. "Hi."

"You feeling better?"

"A little."

"Enough to go on a little boat ride tonight?" he asked.

She sighed. "Yeah, okay... How's your day been?"

"Boring -- you want to try for some lunch?"

She tried to smile. "Sure."

“There’s a buffet in the main dining room, salad, seafood and such. If you get dressed we can head on over.” Leo took a step back into the main room. “But I’d wear your sunglasses it’s damned hot out there.”

“Hence the fact you’re pink and blotchy,” CJ commented, standing up.

"Yeah, well... it's also sun exposure."

CJ nodded and stood up. "I'm sorry I've been miserable company," she said, heading for the closet. "I'm just not feeling very well."

"You wanna talk about it?"

She pulled out a simple sundress and turned to him. "There's nothing to talk about, really -- I think we'll go for a dip in the pool after lunch," she said, heading for her suitcase, where she pulled out a tiny string bikini.

Leo’s grin makes his eyes crinkle up. “CJ,” he started seriously. “You’re gonna need to put some suntan cream on if you’re really wearing that.” His hand motioned to the scraps of material in her hand and he licked his lips.

“Yeah, so?” she asked, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

“Can I. . .help?”

She grinned at him. "You really want to?" she asked before reaching back into the suitcase to pull out a tank suit and an even skimpier bikini. "Or would you rather I wear one of these...?"

Leo thought his eyes were going to fall out of his head. "What you have is fine," he croaked. "I'll help you with the sunscreen and..."

She smirked at him. "Let me get dressed. I'll be back in a minute, okay? You can slather me up before we go."

Leaving her to it and his mind wandering to the fact she was naked behind the door, Leo walked into his bedroom and located his trunks. Dropping his shorts and pulling his trunks up his legs he only realized the door was open when he heard her gasp. Leo blushed crimson as he glanced up and found her smirking in the doorway. His own embarrassment subsided as his eyes skimmed over the bikini.

The dark royal blue set off her creamy skin and highlighted her eyes. The strings hugged the curves of her thin body.

He licked his lips and cleared his throat. "You look wonderful," he managed to say.

"You don't look so bad yourself," she replied with a smirk.

Leo glanced down and hurriedly pulled the swimmers the rest of the way up his thighs. “Sorry, I’m used to be able to leave the doors open,” he admitted.

“Don’t apologize. Lay down, face down,” CJ instructed.

“What?”

CJ shook her head. “Your shoulders are going to get burnt. I’m going to rub in some sunscreen.”

"Okay," Leo said hesitantly, lying down on his belly on her bed.

She grabbed her bottle of sunscreen -- the kind that absolutely reeked of coconut and baby powder -- and dribbled a stream onto her hand. She flipped the top down and rubbed her palms together.

She grinned at the way Leo jumped when she put her cold hands on his shoulders.

“Jesus.”

“A little cold there Leopold?” CJ purred, her hands massaging his shoulders firmly before tracing his spine with the lotion.

Leo groaned at the firmness with which she was touching him and bit down hard on his bottom lip as his trunks tightened.

“You can sit up now,” she whispered. “I’ll start on your chest.”

“It’s okay,” he muttered.

“What’s wrong?” CJ asked dejected.

"Doesn't it need to soak in?" Leo asked.

"Yes, but..."

"I'll wait."

She sighed and nodded. "Okay," she said very quietly. "Can we talk for a minute?"

"Sure."

"Are you not... Leo, what are we doing in this relationship if we can't... I'm not saying this well."

"No, really you're not," Leo interjected.

"Are you not interested in me sexually?" she finally spit out.

"What?"

"Every time we seem to be working in that direction, you do something to stop it."

His eyes widened and he shook his head. Slowly he rolled onto his side and pulled his shirt across his groin. “Hell CJ. How can you even ask that?” He sighed and sat up straighter. “I know we said we’d take it slowly, but that was because we’d both had bad relationships in the past.”

CJ sat back on the bed and stared at him.

“I want you. Some days I have to sit behind my desk just so you don’t see how much.” He stopped talking and grinned. “Why do you think I’m really holding my shirt?”

"Because you have problems with the buttons," she joked lamely.

"No -- it's because I want you, Claudia."

"Then why don't you just..."

"Because we wanted to take it slow," he said, his smile fading. "Unless you're having second thoughts."

"NO!"

“Good.” He waited a beat. “There’s something I have to tell you though.”

“OH?”

“After you’d gone to bed last night two girls invited me skinny dipping,” he said softly, avoiding her eyes.

CJ nodded, frightened to speak.

“And all I could think about was you, so I turned them down.”

“You did?” she asked then her voice turned shrill. “YOU DID?”

"Yeah, I did... but if it had been you asking me to go skinny dipping, I'd have done it in a heartbeat," he confessed.

"You... you turned them down?" she echoed one more time.

"Yeah, I turned them down."

She burst into laughter that was half-relieved, half-hysterical.

"What?" he asked woundedly.

"It's just that... I saw you out the window and..."

“You didn’t come to my rescue,” he joked. “I’m hurt, mortified even.”

“You’re man enough to take care of yourself.”

“I’m beginning to wonder about that,” he mumbled. “Everyone else here is about twenty five, good looking and up for anything. It’s kinda like one of those bad dating shows Margaret likes.”

"I'm up for anything," CJ protested. "And I am not 25."

"I know you are, and I know you aren't."

She laughed. "Want to stay in and make love?" she asked.

Leo choked. "What?"

“Of course we could make the first time in the pool, but god knows what’s floating around in there,” CJ said casually, toying with the string on her bikini. “And the beach is out, all that sand.”

"CJ..."

"Leo, I'm tired of being frustrated because I want to fuck you and you're uptight about it..." she purred, pulling one of the strings and untying the knot.

Leo choked when her breasts came into view.

“And if you’re good, afterwards I’ll sunbathe topless just for you,” she said softly, pulling the shirt from across his groin. “Um, I like this new laid back Leo.”

"This new laid back Leo is getting uptight," Leo squeaked.

She looked into his eyes for a long moment. "If you don't want to..." she said, "...we don't have to."

Gently he took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips. Kissing her knuckles he locked eyes with CJ. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

"Will I lose you if I say no?" she asked with a soft smile.

"No," he promised softly.

"Okay," she said with a gentle smile. "I was just making sure... But yes, I am ready. I want to be with you, Leo -- I want to feel you touch me. I want to feel you inside me."

Leo blushed at her words and allowed a grin to tug at the corners of his mouth. Gently he tugged her hand and pulled her on top of him. His swelling erection pressed against her thigh as he enjoyed the feel of her naked skin against his chest.

"Are you quite comfortable?" CJ teased lightly, caressing his ribs with one hand.

"Not comfortable, exactly..." he said with a grin.

"I know," she murmured, moving her thigh a little, listening to him moan.

“Why didn’t we do this before?” he asked, wrapping a leg around hers and rolling her onto her back. Lifting himself up onto his elbows he gazed down at the creamy soft skin and planted a kiss between her breasts.

"Because we weren't ready," CJ whispered, running her fingers through his thin hair. "But we are now, right?"

"Hell yes," Leo growled, leaning down to nibble gently on the side of her breast. "I love the way you are," he whispered against the skin. "Beautiful, confident..."

“Delightful and delicious,” she teased.

“Over dressed,” he muttered, running a finger under the ties of her bikini briefs.

"You're one to talk..." she moaned as he caressed her silky flesh.

"Yeah, I really am," Leo mumbled, his lips coming up to gently, ever so tenderly, kiss her lips. When he pulled away, her eyes were closed and she was trembling.

Taking a deep breath he spoke softly. “Perhaps we wouldn’t be so nervous if we just treated this like a holiday fling, honey. Y’know?”

"I'm not nervous," she whispered, opening her eyes and catching his gaze with her own intense one. "I want you, Leo, and I have for a long time. I will for a long time. I'm not nervous."

“I am,” he admitted, quietly. “And being surrounded by strapping young men screwing everything that moves isn’t helping.” He swallowed. “That and the fact I haven’t done this in an awfully long time.”

CJ stroked his strong jaw line and kissed his nose. “You don’t need to be nervous, I’m very gentle really,” she teased, sliding her hands down his back. “And if you’re worried about the testosterone around here we can spend the vacation in here like newlyweds.” Her hand slid beneath the waistband of the swimmers and CJ pushed them down his hips.

"That might not be a bad idea," Leo said softly, his lips finding hers again for an achingly soft, passionate kiss.

"I know you're not a strapping young buck," CJ said softly. "So if we need to go a little faster this first time, just let me know..."

Leo lifted his hips as she used her feet to push the offending shorts down his legs. Grinning he tugged at the strings and pulled the scrap of fabric from between them. “CJ, is that letting you know?” he asked, rubbing his hardened penis against her upper thigh.

"It's letting me know that I'm a very attractive woman to you," CJ purred.

"Okay, y'know what, let's just find a nice pace and stick to it, okay?" he asked, rolling his eyes.

"Sounds good to me," she said, rolling her hips and watching his eyes widen.

Leo tucked a hand under her thigh and draped her leg over his hip.

"Do we get a warm-up round?" she teased, her fingers moving to stroke his side slowly, methodically.

His hand slid between them and he grinned down at her. “You’re pretty warm already.” As his fingertips brushed against her centre CJ whimpered.

"See what I mean?" he asked with a grunt as she moved her hand to cup his erection in her palm.

"I'm not nervous," she said very quietly. "Because I know you care for me... and because you're one of the hottest men I've ever seen."

“You mean hotter than the Italian stallion in the lobby?” he teased, removing his fingers and lifting his hips.

"Much," she moaned as he positioned the head of his erection at her opening.

"How much?"

"Enough that I love you for it," CJ gasped as he slid into her.

He stilled. "What?"

CJ opened her eyes and swallowed. “Nothing.”

“CJ?” he whispered, rocking his hips.

“I got carried away in the moment,” she mumbled, her hands gripping his waist.

Leo grinned and nibbled CJ’s neck. “I love you too.”

She moaned and inhaled deeply as he began to rock his hips. "Ohhhh...."

"Like that?"

"Faster," she moaned.

“That’s my line.”

“LEO,” she whined as the sound of the bass began to carry from the pool area.

Grinning to himself Leo moved on to his elbows and changed the direction of his thrusts.

She inhaled sharply and panted as he continued to move, hitting her g spot every other thrust. She thought she was going to explode.

"Leo,...." she gasped, her grip on his waist tightening, her legs going up behind his hips, ankles locked, to draw him in deeper.

It was all too much for him, her clenching around him, the feel of her long legs around his waist, the taste of strawberries from her skin and CJ calling his name. Leo was quickly losing control of his thrusts. Heat was soaring through his veins and he could feel his body tensing.

Her hips lifted off of the bed, taking him with them, and he lost control. He stilled for a long moment before thrusting one more time with a groan, spilling into her.

CJ spasmed and cried out once as she came. His name on her lips was everything he had imagined it would be.

Leo collapsed on top of her, his breathing coming in short pants against her neck.

CJ’s legs slipped from around him as her arms snaked around his neck. “Well I’m ready to go again, how about you?” she whispered.

He groaned. "I think I need a break," he chuckled.

"Fair enough, old man," she purred softly, nibbling on his earlobe.

"I am," he muttered.

"Want to get cleaned up and get lunch?" she whispered, her hands descending to rub his lower back.

“Mm, yeah,” he mumbled, rolling off of her and onto the bed.

CJ smiled and climbed off the bed, pausing to give him a quick peck on the cheek. Picking up her bikini she headed into the bathroom.

Leo opened his eyes and reached across the bed for CJ. Finding her gone he sat up and climbed off the bed. Ignoring his lack of attire he wandered out of the bedroom in search of his lover. Catching sight of her on the deck he headed out towards her.

She turned to smile at him. "Hey," she said very quietly. "I see that sleeping beauty has awakened."

"You feeling better now?" he asked, putting his arms around her waist and nuzzling her shoulder.

"Yes," she moaned softly. "What about you?"

“OH yeah,” he smirked. “Very all right. Wanna come back to bed?”

“What happened to lunch and catching some rays?”

“Okay, skip the bed. We’ll just do it out here on the deck,” he laughed, sucking on her earlobe.

"In front of all the kids?" CJ laughed.

"Why not -- we can show them how it's done," Leo teased.

"How it's done by two people who care very much for each other," CJ amended, stroking his arms and leaning back against him, wishing he could feel what she felt as he touched her.

“Now, where’d you prefer? The lounger, the floor or maybe over the table?”

“You’re actually serious about this?” she asked, incredulous and standing up in his embrace. “And you’re not wearing any shorts.”

“I love you, CJ,” he offered in response.

She smiled and shook her head. "You can be such an idiot sometimes," she whispered, leaning down to kiss him.

"If loving you makes me an idiot, I'm a moron," he replied with an answering grin, meeting her lips again for a drugging kiss.

"You're so sappy," she giggled softly.

He shrugged. "The table looks nice..."

“Leo. I’m gonna have to get my strength back first,” she groaned. “Go and put some clothes on, will ya?”

He shrugged and untied her top. “Order room service and I’ll find my shorts. But . . .” he said, with a twinkle in his eyes. “The boat doesn’t leave until seven.”

She stared at him and her jaw dropped. "You're hung up on me now that we've had sex," she gasped.

"I was hung up on you before," he confessed, pulling her top off and turning her to face him instead of the ocean so he could rub one of her nipples with his thumb. "But now I have an excuse to grope you in public."

CJ looked around and sighed. “If this ends up in the National Enquirer . . .”

“I’ll make it up to you,” he whispered, closing his lips around her nipple. “God, you’re sexy.”

She moaned and moved her hand to the base of his skull as his lips and tongue caressed her, offering so much pleasure...

His fingertips caressed her sides with feather-light strokes that had her insides quivering.

Softly he nipped and sucked his way down her stomach, lowering himself onto his knees. He wanted to be the one to give, and show her everything the kids couldn’t. Her briefs ended up on the floor.

"Leo..." she moaned, knees going weak as he kissed his way ever lower.

He helped lower her to the deck so she wouldn't wipe out, and then continued kissing every inch of her body, much to her delight if her moans were any indication.

The second time was going to slow and languous in the afternoon sun. Leo intended to memorise each curve, each touch that made her moan. Parting her legs with his shoulders Leo kissed his way up her thighs.

Her breath caught in her throat as he traced circles on her thigh with his tongue. "Leo..."

"Hmmm?"

"Please don't stop..."

Meticulously he covered every inch of her thigh with tiny kisses. “Tell me what you want, baby,” he whispered, glancing up to look at her.

"I want you..." she moaned softly. "Just... just touch me, please..." Her breathing was already ragged and her head was swimming through waves of pleasure.

"Anywhere in particular?" he asked, his fingers stroking behind her knees. Her hips lifted off the wood of the deck and she stifled a deep moan.

“Everywhere she groaned.”

Leo brushed his thumb over her outer folds until he located her clit. Gently he circled it, bringing forth deep moans from CJ.

Her hands gripped at his shoulders as he moved his mouth to her opening. “Relax,” he mumbled, as he thrust his tongue deep inside her, tasting her sweetness.

Her eyes rolled back into her head and she made full-throated whimpering noises as he twisted his tongue within her. "Ohhhh.... Oh... Leo!" she gasped, breath leaving her as he began rubbing her clit in time to his tonguing.

Her first orgasm was hard and wet as she clenched around him. Leo stilled his tongue as she rode the waves and waited for her breathing to slow. Before she reached re-entry Leo rolled his tongue and massaged the swollen nub of skin.

CJ bucked at his touch and arched her back.

The feelings were intense and delicious but overwhelming, and she cried, "Stop, please!" as she shuddered and her world shattered again.

Leo removed his tongue slowly and crawled up the deck to lay beside her. “You’re beautiful when you’re all worked up,” he whispered leaning into kiss her.

CJ deepened the kiss, her arms automatically wrapping around Leo’s neck. She enjoyed the taste of his lips, soft and yielding with a hint of her.

"You're so sexy," she murmured softly, her lips caressing his again and again.

"I thought you wanted to stop," he teased.

“Couldn’t take any more.” CJ ran her fingertips down his chest. “Need a shower,” she mumbled. “Want to join me?”

"DO I get to grope?" he grinned.

She groaned in dismay. "Leo, you're going to kill me..."

"I just don't want you running off with one of those boys in the middle of the night," he admitted.

“Leo, they’re kids, sowing their wild oats, getting alcoholic poisoning and passing out. I have no interest in being part of that,” CJ groaned. “And I’m rather hoping you’ll be with me in the middle of the night,” she offered coyly.

“Are you asking what I think you’re asking?”

“If I’m going to be up half the night I might as well have some company,” she said glibly, kissing him before getting up and walking naked into the cottage. “And I wanna wake up with you.”

He picked up the pieces of her bikini and followed her back inside. "So you want me to sleep with you?" he asked eagerly.

CJ's head appeared in the bathroom doorway with a grin. "What do you think?" she challenged, blowing him a kiss and closing the door.

Leo grinned and tossed the bikini over the couch before following her into the bathroom.

Pulling back the shower curtain Leo stepped into the cubicle behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

The tepid spray covered them as they embraced gently beneath it.

"I don't think I'm gonna let you get away," Leo said softly against her shoulder.

"I don't want to get away," CJ said brightly. "And when did you get so mushy and emotional?"

"Since I fell in love with you."

CJ rolled her eyes.

“You have sunstroke. It’s the heat and some sort of cell deprivation,” she teased.

“I’m on vacation, CJ. I’m relaxed and I’m enjoying spending quality time with you. Even if it is on Temptation Island,” he quipped. “Now get a move on.” He slapped her playfully on the backside and reached for a towel.

When CJ got out of the shower, she wandered into her room, got dressed in a sundress with spaghetti straps and long slits up the sides, and put on her sandals before heading back into the living room.

Leo was lounging in one of the chairs, naked, with a rose between his teeth, reading the New York Times.

CJ laughed so hard she fell back into the chair. Her sides ached and she was practically crying. “We’d better make sure you sleep tonight,” she offered between giggles. “You’re cracking up.”

“So much for seduction,” he deadpanned, removing the rose.

“I like it,” she admitted. “But it’s time you got ready for the romantic boat cruise.”

Leo grinned and ambled back into his room, pausing briefly to lean up and kiss her hungrily. Five minutes later he appeared in the doorframe, dressed in a pair of light cotton pants and a short-sleeved shirt.

CJ looked up from the newspaper and licked her lips in anticipation. “Very nice.”

“Glad you like,” he replied, holding his arm out for her to take.

They held hands as they took the ten-minute walk to the jetty. Once there, they were surprised by the sight of half the hotel’s guests climbing on board scantily clad.

Leo hung back as she boarded. No sooner were they aboard then the captain cast off, the music cranked up and the bar opened.

CJ groaned and flopped onto one of the benches. "What else could possibly happen?" she shouted over the "music".

"We could call the CIA to bomb them," Leo suggested mildly.

"Or we could go off the side of the boat and swim back," she suggested brightly.

“Or we could grab a couple of glasses of water, sit back and admire the scenery,” he whispered.

“It’s going to be an orgy,” CJ whined. “Look at them, the women are dirty dancing, the guys are ogling. Any second now it will be a free for all.”

Footsteps echoed on the deck as someone headed towards the front of the boat and where they were sitting.

Leo glanced over his shoulder and without warning cupped CJ’s face in his hands. His tongue parted her lips as his thigh came up between her legs.

“What are you doing?” she mumbled into the kiss.

“Ssh.”

The footsteps stopped and moved away again. Then came the sound of a voice shouting down the boat. “They’re at it back there. Not bad for an old guy.”

CJ broke the kiss and laughed until she was crying. "My God, that was...."

Leo's lips pursed and he looked cross. "Those little kids are getting on my nerves."

"Ssh..." CJ whispered, drawing him back for another kiss. "Earlier, remember, you said we should show them how it's done. Maybe we can give them lessons on the fine art of romance."

“What did you have in mind?” he whispered, tracing her jaw line with his lips.

"We don't have to have sex, if that’s what you're thinking," she said very softly.

"I wasn't thinking anything."

"That music has a nice little beat in it," CJ said. "Want to dance?"

"Not like them!"

"No, not like them," CJ chuckled. "I'm old school."

Leo shuffled to his feet and held out his hand to help her up.

CJ entwined her fingers with his as she began to move in time to the music. Her whole body seemed to work to the beat as Leo moved uncertainly in front of her.

“Relax and loosen up,” CJ instructed, closing her eyes and rotating her hips.

"It's too fast," he interjected.

"So listen to it and slow it down," she said softly. "Or pick a song and play it over and over again in your mind." She smiled. "I'm thinking of that one song from Ghost. The one by the Righteous Brothers."

Leo nodded. "I remember that one." He held out his arms and she made herself comfortable in them, laying her head on his shoulder as they slow danced.

“With any luck they’ll all be so bombed we can get some sleep tonight,” CJ said, her warm breath tickling his ear.

“And here was I thinking we could watch the sun rise,” Leo teased, enjoying the feel of her in his arms.

"We could," she murmured. "But I need some sleep beforehand... after all, isn't this our vacation?" She straightened up enough to flash him a grin, then laid her head on his shoulder again.

A young man and a young woman came back up to the front of the boat to get away from the noise and to watch the old people get it on. But what they saw were two people, genuinely in love, enjoying being close together.

The party continued to rage down the boat, as now highly intoxicated the passengers embarked on games and dived into the sea.

Leo sat down on the bench and motioned for CJ to join him. As the boat turned and headed back towards the resort he pulled her closer, watching the lights on the shore get brighter and listening to the kids enjoying themselves.

"This is nice," CJ said, laying her head on his shoulder again.

"It's loud."

"No, I mean us. Being able to spend time together. You know. Away from the spin boys and Bartlet Man," CJ joked. "It's nice to just be us -- I'm not looking forward to the day we have to come out to the spin boys... Toby's going to kill us both."

"He has a crush on you," Leo muttered.

"Yeah, but I have a little bit of a crush on you."

“Just a little bit?” Leo whined, earning him a playful slap. “Jed has a large crush on you.”

“He treats me like his daughter. Remember the way he reacted last year over the death threats.” CJ sighed. “Simon Donovan has a lot to answer for.”

“Hey. If you hadn’t kept hiding out in my office to avoid him we would never have gone to dinner.”

“And I would have missed out on your many talents,” CJ deadpanned, wondering how long before she could drag him off to her bed.

Leo puffed up. "I do have a lot of talents, don't I?" he asked.

"You also have a big head," she giggled, kissing him on the tip of the nose.

"I really do -- as you learned earlier," Leo said, waggling his eyebrows.

"LEO! That's not what I meant!"

“I know baby, I just like seeing you flush.”

They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes before CJ sighed. “I really wanted to see some of the island but I’m frightened of what might be in store for us.”

“CJ, these people don’t get up until noon, I hardly think they’re planning the tourist sites,” Leo grinned. “I’ll look into it but tomorrow I’m looking forward to your topless sunbathing.”

She chuckled. "I'll need lots of sunscreen..."

"I have able hands," Leo joked with a lopsided grin.

"I'll say you do," CJ purred. "When we get back, do you wanna go skinny dipping?"

“If you’re gonna be naked, I’m there,” he whispered, kissing her lips.

The boat glided effortlessly into the harbour and as the captain moored them to the jetty, the kids began to jump over the side.

Leo and CJ waited patiently until they were the only ones left. Leo jumped onto the deck and help out his hand for her to take.

She took it, gingerly at first, then she squeezed his hand as she climbed onto the deck. "Maybe we should've just jumped off the side, since we're just going to go get wet anyway," CJ joked with a grin.

"Nah," Leo said dismissively. "Who knows what's in the water."

She laughed and pulled him down the dock. "That's why they call it the ocean, Leo... Now, we know what's in the pool, and I wouldn't..."

"Want to soak in the hot tub?" he suggested with a grin. "I know for a fact that they just changed the chemical balance while we were gone, and I have someone keeping people out of it."

“No funny business,” she warned, her eyes twinkling.

“Cross my heart, though that’s not to say. . .” he trailed off, snaking one hand up to the back of her neck and pulling her down for an intense kiss.

When she could breathe again, CJ moaned, "Damn you..."

"Damn me?"

"When did you get so horny?" she panted as he kissed her again.

He cocked his head on one side as he pondered the question. “Since Abbey’s Birthday party. You wore that silver dress and no bra. “His fingers brushed across her covered breasts as he spoke. “Or it may have been the night of the Nobel Laureate dinner and the little red number.”

"I wore that for you," she confessed. "I thought it would get you to notice me..."

"And didn't I ask you out for dinner?" he teased, kissing her lips softly. "You want to go get changed now, or do we wanna go skinny-dipping in the hot tub?"

“Skinny dipping,” she answered firmly, tugging his hand and laughing.

Leo groaned audibly, only partly in teasing, and trailed in her wake.

The poolside was empty, most of the young people on the bed or enjoying sex with the partner of the night, but Leo still looked warily about.

“It’s fine,” CJ whispered, her clothes landing in a pile on the concrete. “Live a little.” CJ stepped down into the tub and sighed as the bubbles started.

Leo gawked for a moment, still overwhelmed that she still wanted him, before fumbling with the button and zipper of his trousers.

CJ looked so relaxed, her head floating on the water, eyes closed, that he hesitated disturbing her.

“Are you going to join me or just stand there in all your glory and stare?” she asked, her eyes still closed.

“I thought perhaps you’d fallen asleep.” Leo lifted the shirt over his head and climbed down to join her. “When I finally get around to buying a place I’m having one of these installed.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Leo settled himself on the opposite side of the tub and just gazed at her.

"So now you're going to sit there in your glory and watch me?" she teased, opening one eye lazily.

"Something like that," he replied, trying to ignore how much he wanted to go over and make love to her in the water. He wanted to know how she looked when his fingers joined the thrumming water as it slid over her body.

“You’re kidding me, right?” She opened her other eye and looked at him suspiciously before closing it again.

“What?”

“God, I’m lying here, practically begging for it.”

"Begging for... oh. OH." He looked a little shocked. "In here?"

"There isn't anyone around," she supplied. "And we'll be able to massage away the stiffness if we pull something..."

“You’re incorrigible,” he grinned.

“So encourage me.” CJ winked at him.

“CJ,” he said seriously, “Get over here now.”

She opened the other eye. "No."

"What?"

"I think you should come over here," she murmured.

“Well what I have in mind won’t work with me sitting in your lap,” he whispered.

CJ extended her leg and her toes brushed the inside of his calf.

"So I can move later..." she said enticingly. "Besides, if I move, I'll get cold on the way there."

"You're..."

"Eccentric?"

"Beautiful."

CJ flushed and shook her head. “You’re just trying to get in my good books.”

“Is it working?” he asked, his hand closing around her foot and pulling it up into his lap.

“Um, yeah.” Her eyes became piercing for a moment as she watched him. “Leo, make love to me.”

"I thought you would never ask -- again," he said with a grin. "C'mere," he instructed gruffly, pulling her through the water to settle onto his lap. "You are, quite possibly, the most beautiful woman I've ever known."

"No, I'm not," CJ scolded softly, her lips descending on his, willing him to shut up because her ego couldn't take that much stroking -- even from him.

Leo’s hand glided over her back to the back of her neck as he deepened the kiss, wanting to tell her with his body the effect she had on him. His other hand brushed her hair from her face before moving south.

“Adventurous,” he mumbled against her lips. “Tallest.”

"I can believe tallest," she moaned as his hand slid over her thigh, snaking its way sensuously up to the juncture of her legs.

"Funniest..." he murmured, deepening the kiss, catching her deep moans as he found her clit with his thumb and circled it.

“Mmm,” she mumbled as she tried to lean back.

Leo’s hand slid from her neck to the small of her back and held her firmly in place. “By far the sexiest.”

"Flattery will get you anywhere," she groaned, rolling her hips.

"So I'm finding," he said softly, kissing her with all of the pent-up passion he could muster. The result was incredible -- she became putty in his hands.

Her moans subsided to be replaced by the most delicate whimpers he had ever heard. The result of which was Leo increasing the pressure of his thumb against her center.

Her breathing became short and shallow gulps of air when she could remember to breathe. Suddenly the only things in the world that mattered were his eyes, his fingers, and how to keep the feelings that were building up within her from escaping too soon.

Leaving a trail of kisses in his wake Leo worked his way over her jaw and down her throat. His erection swelled as she whimpered and arched above him, and he thought he would die if he couldn’t be within her soon.

He felt her entire body begin to tense as she neared the edge. Her breathing became tiny pants, punctuated with whimpers and she ground herself onto his thumb, aching for more.

And then her world exploded around her.

Leo stopped his gentle exploring of her throat and lifted his head to watch her.

Her lids fluttered before closing and her chest was rising and falling. Her face glowed as she rode the first wave of ecstasy. Never would she look more beautiful to him.

She came down from her glorious high only to float back towards the sky as Leo slowly slid into her. She couldn't hold back a noise of contented pleasure that burst from her throat loudly enough to echo in the little pool area.

Leo fought a smile and instead concentrated on moving her a little so they would both be more comfortable, his efforts being rewarded with a deep moan.

A deep moan escaped his own throat as she rocked her hips in opposition to his thrusts. The gentle flow of water around them and the feel of her slick skin brushing against him sent a surge of electricity through Leo.

CJ leaned down to kiss him, her lips and tongue parting the way for Leo to follow a more intimate connection into oblivion.

His thrusts became shorter and more frantic -- her movements came harder and faster in response, and one of his hands moved from her waist to her breast to massage one of her nipples, trying to drive her crazy or over the edge, whichever came first.

Even as he came closer to losing control himself, he enjoyed watching his ladylove reluctantly giving up her grasp on reality.

She spasmed around him, her cries of pleasure as she began to climax eaten by his lips. He lost control when she went over the edge, vaguely proud in the back of his mind that he'd lasted that long.

He could feel her grinning at him even before he opened his eyes. That self-satisfied grin she reserved when life was, for once, going her way, or of course one of the spin boys was about to suffer. Leo opened his eyes and grinned back. “Don’t know why you’re so smug. I did all the work,” he teased.

"I'm not being smug," she protested with a smirk.

"Then what are you being?"

"I'm being happily in love with my charming boyfriend, who just made love to me in a hot tub and who is going to take me back to our bungalow and hold me until morning...."

“A little confident there,” Leo snorted as he slid out of her and she splashed back into the water.

“It pays to be confident. Besides we both know you’re going to do it,” she smirked, climbing out of the tub and getting dressed.

Leo merely smiled, shaking off excess water and pulling on his shorts. “But I get the window side.”