Author Note: No disrespect to Johnny Cash or Bing Crosby – long chapter – some slight smut – (author doesn't to offend anyone Oh! Thanks for the awesome reviews from DFT, ddtje70, nannygirl, Sharingan no saab and x) – hope you like this chapter!
36
Eric was an instant idol at work that Monday. All the kids recognized Cowboy Joe's Mustang and wanted to touch the car. Even Stan begrudgingly admitted that the Mustang was far superior to the Camaro and how did he always get so lucky? Eric grinned and headed to his classroom as the first bell rang.
At lunch, Principal Scott and Mary Pierce, the Attendance Office clerk was waiting for him at the window table. Everyone wanted to talk about the new car. Of course Eric didn't mind talking about the Mustang – he secretly got a kick out of the young students that would reach out to touch it as though they were touching the car on the TV show. Now if the kids only knew he had an R2 unit in his room – that would be a mind blower!
He got home that evening and the front porch was covered in pine needles Being careful not to track them in, he opened the door carefully only to find Jackie on a ladder decorating a 15 foot tree. "Good afternoon and I don't even want to know how you got that thing in here."
She looked down from her perch and smiled. "It's called bribes. Hey, hand me that pack of ornaments on the chair, would you?" Eric dropped his keys in the tray by the door and left his book bag near the kitchen counter. The purple glass spheres were very delicate so he carefully passed them up the ladder rungs to her outstretched hand. "Smells good in here. Very Christmas-y."
"Thanks – how was school?"
Eric sat in the chair and watched Jackie strategically placing ornaments around the huge tree. "The kids loved the car more than my class."
She giggled, "What did you expect when you bought a celebrity car? Just be glad it doesn't talk in real life!"
Eric leaned his head back on the chair noticing that she had lit a fire. This moment felt so comfortable – so right that he wished everyday in his life could feel like this. Jackie continued chattering about Christmas decorations and upcoming holiday commercials – he watched her climb up and down the ladder adding a snowman here and an icicle over there.
"Eric, are you listening to me?" She tossed a bell into his lap. Eric roused from his semi-trance. "What? I think I zoned out there."
She climbed down the ladder. "Can you put my angel on the top? I can't reach that high." Eric stood up and took the tree topper ornament and climbed to the top rung. "Do you want the angel to face a certain way?" Jackie looked at where he placed the decoration and it looked good. "Big Rhonda was right about you."
Eric looked down. "Big Rhonda? What did she say about me?"
Jackie went to get the broom. "She said you have a nice butt. " Eric nearly fell off the step – "I hope you corrected her." She brought the broom back into the foyer and started sweeping up needles. "No, she was right – you just need tighter jeans!"
*
Eric finished grading homework, shook hands with R2 and went downstairs to help with dinner. Jackie was cleaning lettuce for hamburgers and looked up when Eric started washing his hands. The twinkling lights on the Christmas tree made the living room festive. "I'll cut the tomatoes." He offered.
Neither party spoke during this shared chore and still it was a comfortable quiet. The burgers were sizzling in the pan as Eric set the dining table. "Can you take the ladder back to your dad tomorrow?" Jackie asked.
He looked at the tree again. How long had it been since he lived in a house with a Christmas tree? Well long enough that he couldn't remember! His last Christmas was lonely – he visited Kelso and Brooke once and then his folks a couple of times. This year his Christmas would be spent with the people he loved and his friends. His mom was happier than she had been in a long time and Red finally put the foot in the ass to rest – maybe – still Eric liked his new life. He wished all people could be a blessed as he felt right then.
Jackie came up behind him and gave him a back hug. He held her arms as they snaked around his stomach and he smiled when he felt her cheek press against his spine. "Your mom is baking cookies like crazy. Look at her running around in that coat."
Eric laughed – his mom did love her fur coat. Eric turned and wrapped his arms around Jackie. "You are an angel. How did I get so fortunate?" Jackie smiled into his chest. His heart beating steadily against her cheek – she wrapped an arm around his neck and reached up for a kiss. "Dinner's ready."
*
They spent the evening watching TV together while the Christmas tree twinkled against the window and the fire roared in the hearth. Fez's commercial was on an hourly rotation on different stations and Eric would start singing the Candy Land jingle that was now burned in his brain.
"Eric, the jelly beans sing it so much better." Jackie teased. Eric smiled back and stole a kiss. "Well, it's better than when my brown friend sings it." She giggled and kissed him back. Eric threw another log into the fire and watched it spark.
"I forgot to mention this. What are you doing Friday?" she asked.
Eric looked back at her, "I'm guessing whatever it is you are doing."
She scoffed, "You make it sound like it's a bad thing and you don't even know what it is."
He crawled over to the end of the couch and laid down, his head in her lap. "So tell me what it is we'll be doing." He liked this position, why hadn't he done this before?
Jackie looked down and smiled, "My job is holding the annual Christmas party. Last year I didn't have a date and every guy kept hitting on me. Even the married ones!"
Eric teased," It's just because you're so hot – they have to try." Jackie weaved her fingers thru his sandy brown hair. 'Well, now I have a boyfriend and you have to keep me safe."
"So…I'm your bodyguard?"
"Don't you want to guard my body?"
"Well, there's more I'd like to do than just that - so for the party, I'll be your personal Superman. Can I wear a cape?"
She giggled, "No, you can wear a tie." She got excited. "We can wear matching outfits!"
Eric didn't know what that meant but it couldn't be good. She continued, "I'll pick yours up after work tomorrow. Oh Eric, this is going to be a great party! I can get your mom to take some pictures. We don't have any pictures of us, well, you know, pictures that I like, not that porn picture you keep in your book bag."
He furrowed his brow. "How did you know about that?" How did she know he kept the Winter Gala picture there?
She tugged his hair, 'I guessed and you just confirmed it."
"Damn"
*
The week past in a flurry of Christmas shopping, end of school activities, helping Fez and Rhonda move into their new Chicago apartment and spending time with the guys. Eric was nearly out of breath by Friday and still had Jackie's work party to attend. After the last day of school, he rushed home for a quick shower to freshen up. Jackie had laid out a brand new pair of black denim jeans and a soft black cotton shirt. The only respite was a candy cane decorated tie – he almost winced. Eric leaned over the loft wall and yelled down to where Jackie was getting dressed in her office.
"Jackie – I look like Johnny Cash at Christmas time." He complained.
"I love Johnny Cash – I think he's sexy – you know, the younger Johnny Cash – not the older. Also, black makes you look taller."
Eric looked in the full length mirror and admired his image – yeah, he did look sexy. He checked out his butt and with the tighter fitting pants, yes, he definitely had some profile – thank you Big Rhonda. He bounded down the stairs and sat on the sofa to wait while Jackie finished putting on make up.
Eric was watching the weather report when Jackie came out of the guest room. She cleared her throat to get Eric's attention. He looked over at her and then looked back at the snow forecast and then his head whipped back to see a vision in red velvet and thigh high black boots. He choked and felt that familiar punch in his gut. She looked fabulous in a velvet mini skirt with white fur trim and Eric recognized the style of stocking she wore beneath the skirt. He could not speak. Her hair was pinned up in a loose bun with rhinestone pins that winked in the Christmas tree lights. "I'm Mrs. Santa." She was looking at him for approval
"Well, say something!" Jackie demanded, "Am I cute or what?" Eric stood up and walked over to wear she stood. His mouth was dry and he was afraid that if he said anything it would be the wrong thing to say. "Um…." Nothing would come out. He just smiled and nodded his head yes. That worked – she smirked and grabbed two Santa caps.
"Water" he managed to rasp out. The walk to the kitchen seemed to take forever when all he could think of was two garters holding up filmy stockings beneath those sexy boots. Why did he have such a fascination with Jackie's shoes lately? He swallowed the water and took a deep calming breath.
"Can you get your mom to take some pictures? I bought some film for her camera." Jackie dangled the 35 mm film from her finger and smiled sweetly.
Eric stepped over and took the film from her fingers and said, "You're going to have to fix your make up." She looked up at him, "Why, what's wrong with it?"
Eric grinned "Because I'm gonna mess it up." Then he swooped down and captured her mouth in a hot wet kiss. She squealed lightly and melted against him. When he came up for air, she murmured, "You better not mess up my hair." He chuckled faintly and pressed kisses along her jaw stopping at her ear to growl softly, "I'm going to go get that camera." And he left her standing there wanting, a little frustrated and annoyed that he would kiss and run!
Eric laughed as he closed the glass doors watching Jackie run for the bathroom to fix her face. She was still predictable to a point, and he loved that. His mom looked up and waved. He stepped thru into her dining room and she said, "Oh Eric, you look so handsome! Red, come see."
Red hollered from his chair, "Let the boy come see me. There's a game on TV"
"How are you doing Dad?" Eric said sitting on the sofa. "Did you see Fez's commercial last week?"
Red scoffed, "I can't get away from that foreign boy – he was forever hanging around the house and now he's hocking candy on my TV! What is wrong with you kids?" Eric knew that Red would never admit to liking Fez, this was just his way of saying that Fez was doing well.
"Okay, honey I got my camera – let's go take pictures!"
Red managed to add, "Son, if your pants get any tighter, you're gonna look like a sausage. Tell your girlfriend I want grandchildren one day!"
*
Eric had never attended a corporate party before and didn't know what to expect. So, when the valet asked for his car keys, Eric told him to get lost. Jackie lightly touched his arm. "He's not going to steal it; he's just going to park it for us."
"Oh, okay then, don't scratch it." He said as he dropped the keys in the valet's open palm. He went around opening Jackie's door and helped her step out in those outrageously high sexy boots. They walked the short distance to the 14 story building. Eric looked up and saw that the building was dark except for the top floor where the party was. A hat check girl worked just inside the lobby and took Jackie's coat and with some encouragement managed to get Eric to leave his there also.
As they rode the elevator Eric was nervous. "What if these people don't like me?" Jackie smiled at his reflection in the elevators mirrored door. "Babe – you're with me – they are gonna love you." The doors slid open to the largest and loudest party Eric had ever been to. Magically a bottle of imported beer was slipped into his hand as Jackie steered him through the room briefly introducing key people and the names she wanted him to remember.
A live band was playing pop Christmas music in the corner and beautiful people milled around in groups smiling and waving as the couple passed by. A tall girl dressed in gold stars glided through the crowd carrying a platter of hors d'oeuvres - she lowered the tray for Eric and his eyes widened at the skewered shrimp and delicate pastries and garnished vegetables that were his for the choosing. He picked up a shrimp spear and smiled.
Jackie led Eric towards a group of people he vaguely recognized. A tall raven haired girl dressed as Rudolph waved at him and nudged a guy dressed as an elf to wave as well. Jackie let go of Eric's hand and squealed. The two girls, Mrs. Santa and Rudolph, hugged each other and started jumping up and down. "Eric, you remember Linda, my assistant?"
That's who she was – he remembered her from the commercial. "Nice to meet you again Linda." He held out his hand but Linda brushed it aside and planted a smacking kiss on his lips. "Wow" he was shocked.
Jackie laughed, "Now meet Jeremy, today he's an elf but every other day he's my right hand.
Jeremy held out his hand, "Dude, I'm not going to kiss you." It was Eric's turn to laugh. "Thanks – I didn't want to worry."
Jeremy chuckled, "Then you definitely want to avoid Lester and Tiny over there by the stage. When they drink, they grow horns for anything on two legs if you know what I mean."
"I'll take care to remember that." Eric turned to Jackie. "Is there anyone else I have to worry about?" Jackie smiled at his concern. "Nope, not yet. Just stick with me okay?" She slipped her hand back into Eric's big one. They moved around little cliques and some office workers that looked like they started the party a little earlier than everyone else. Jackie moved them to the dance floor. "Will you dance with me?"
Eric slid a hand to the small of her back and folded her other hand against his chest and they danced to Bing Crosby's White Christmas. She looked up at his face, "I know this is awkward for you. You're probably feeling like a duck out of water."
He looked down at her perfect lips, "Well, this is a bigger party that I thought it would be. Is there a quiet place you and I can just hang out at?" She wrapped her arms around his neck, "I can show you my office. It has a great view of the city. I just have to wait for my boss to get here. He passes out the yearly bonus check."
Eric understood "So this is more than just a party for you."
She smiled, "I worked really hard this year to make it to the Top Five Club. I came in sixth place last year so yeah, this is important. I won't make you suffer through it too long."
"Well, holding a hot executive producer like you in my arms is hardly a chore. I mean, you did assign me bodyguard duty."
Jackie laughed, "You fit in so well, you just don't know it. All of these people here wish they could be you for two minutes."
"Pfft – you're crazy." He laughed. A tall broad shouldered man stumbled over and bumped into Eric. "Hey Burp-hart, ummm, sorry, I mean Burrr-part…." He belched and laughed at himself. He attempted to put a hand on her shoulder but Eric deftly danced her away. "What a slob!" she exclaimed.
"Who was that?" Eric watched as the guy slid to the floor in a drunken stupor. Jackie narrowed her eyes shooting the drunk an evil eye, 'He's my competition. Hey, let's go sit with Linda and Jeremy"
The next hour was spent laughing and talking about celebrities that failed to maintain control at the last WCBC Christmas party. Eric was finally relaxed enough to enjoy himself and found that Jackie's co-workers were people he could actually see himself spending time with. Mr. Scott, Jackie's boss, finally showed up and the party got into full swing.
An elderly man walked up to the table and asked Jackie to dance. She smiled apologetically at Eric, "This is Mr. Carter, and he's on the Board of Directors." Jackie let the old man waltz her onto the dance floor. Eric thought it was charming to see the old man get to dance with a beautiful girl until Jeremy leaned forward, "Eric, keep an eye on that guy – he's got busy hands."
Eric looked back and saw Jackie trying to move the wrinkled old hand from her butt. She mouthed the words, "Save me!" and Eric dashed onto the floor and swept his girlfriend into his arms. "Thanks old man but she's with me."
"Thank God! Eric, there's nothing worse than an old man trying to grope you. Ugh!" she shuddered. Eric danced her back to the table where Jeremy offered a cold beer. Linda looked remorseful, "I'm sorry I had to witness that – last year he tried to get my bra off and I almost broke his finger. Jackie sat on Eric's lap hoping it would discourage any other brave souls that dared ask her to dance.
Jeremy looked at the girls and laughed, "You two ladies make me glad to be a dude. Hey, look our punishment for being here is almost over. Mr. Scott is moving to the microphone with the envelopes."
The room quieted down as Mr. Scott gave his end of the year speech and then waited while the perfunctory applause ended. Mr. Scott took the microphone from its stand and gestured the band for a drum roll. "In my hand I have five envelopes. These are the new Top Five Club members for 1985. Our corporation had a very good year and these five people have exceeded in commercial excellence, gross earnings, cost savings and sales. May I have number five…..Karen Summerland…Karen please step up to the stage please, number four Oscar Freeport… someone please pick Oscar off the floor and get him some coffee." The drunken guy was drug by the feet to the edge of the stage. "Number three is Jackie Burkhart. Jackie come on up."
Jackie gasped and covered her mouth. This was her moment. Eric was proud and gave her a push towards the stage. She tried to appear calm and collected but Eric could see she was ready to burst with happiness. She climbed the steps to accept her third place envelope. Eric was struck at how she just seemed to shine or maybe it was just his love for her that made her stand out among the crowd. He didn't hear who the first and second place winners were, he didn't care – all he could see was his girlfriend shining like a bright star.
Mr. Scott announced the party was officially "on" and for everyone to enjoy themselves. Eric weaved his way over to the steps to collect his date. She jumped into his arms happily raining kisses on his face. "I'm in the club! This is so great! I'm in the club" He could barely contain the small girl as she hopped from one foot to another.
Jeremy and Linda hugged her and waved to Eric as they went to collect their Christmas bonuses. Jackie's cheeks were hurting from smiling so much. "Let's go to my office, I need to calm down." She grabbed Eric's hand and led him down a short hallway to some closed doors. She produced a key from a hidden pocket in her skirt. She unlocked a door and let Eric enter before she closed it behind her and turned on a lamp.
She collapsed on the small sofa and patted the seat next to her. "Sit - I just needed to escape." Eric was amazed at how uncluttered her office was. He expected it to be packed with stuffed animals and unicorn paintings but was surprised at how functional it was and still Jackie-like. He sat on the sofa next to her and she opened the envelope. She stopped at looked at him with a critical eye. "Now you aren't going to be bent out of shape if this turns out to be a lot of money are you?"
"What? No, you earned it. I know that you worked hard for whatever is in there." Eric was now just as anxious to see what her reward was. She took a deep breath and pulled the check out. Eric could only whistle. "Er – I don't think teachers even make that much." It was the truth and for a moment, he thought about switching careers. Jackie smiled and set the check on her desk. "Yeah, that is a lot – but I earned it! Oh my god, I'm in the Top Five!"
Moving to the big window, she looked down at the lights of the city, she was so full of nervous energy and excitement, it was hard to share this feeling with Eric. He stood up and went to look out the window, wrapping his arms around her waist. She leaned back against his chest and exhaled slowly. This was what she needed – someone to ground her so she didn't feel like a pinball machine.
"It's very pretty out there. "He said quietly. Strains of music from the band could be heard if he really tried. The party had a surreal feeling and Eric felt like a pauper with Cinderella in his arms. "I'm proud of you." He said softly. "You are an amazing person and I totally get how hard you had to work to earn this." Jackie turned in his arms. "Thank you, Eric. Everyone thinks life is easy for me but it isn't – I'm always fighting for what I want and what I earn."
She pushed away from the window and went to sit on her desk, crossed her legs and looked at the envelope again. It wasn't so much that she earned the money but the idea that she was succeeding in her career. That was heady stuff to think about and exciting as well.
However, Eric couldn't read her mind and could only watch the skirt inching up her thigh as she crossed her legs. There was a strip of naked flesh between the top of her skirt and the lacy garter that held the stocking to her leg. Eric swallowed hard and stood in front of her, his hands on her knees. He parted her legs just enough to stand in the small V created by the movement.
Jackie looked at him with dark eyes but didn't say anything. She slid forward on the desk as he stepped forward – Eric removed her Santa cap and started pulling the sparkling pins from her hair watching it fall around her shoulders. He swept it back with his hand and pressed his lips to the soft skin under her jaw. He reached for the bottom of her blouse and one swift motion pulled it up and over her head, leaving her to watch him with glowing eyes.
He threw the velvet blouse on the floor and traced the lacy straps of her bra while his mouth devoured the hollow in the crook of her neck. Her head rolled back exposing more bare skin for his kisses while he cupped her bottom to pull her closer to him. Jackie closed her eyes as his mouth covered hers, biting her lip, tasting her. She loosened his tie and started unbuttoning his shirt so she could touch his bare skin.
One of Eric's hands moved to the stocking on her thighs and he lightly scratched the material that separated his fingers from flesh. The feel of his hand on her naked skin sent a shudder of longing through her body as she made a sound between a moan and a whimper. He smiled against her lips and covered her mouth with a long wet kiss. Jackie tugged at the black shirt, trying to pull it off his shoulders.
Eric ran his free hand down her arm leaving tingling sensations everywhere his touch roamed. Suddenly his fingers were sliding under her skirt and she gasped as he touched her panties. She felt herself arch instinctively as he pressed his fingers against her and she kissed him harder. He could feel her heat through the cotton and closed his eyes while Jackie was kissing him like it was the first time. Her fingers twisted in his hair and it was like she couldn't get close enough to touch him.
He skimmed his hand over her bra and touched the lacy fabric, his fingers teasing her aching flesh. She trembled and moaned his name in the softly lit room. The bra came off and his hands covered her, touching, squeezing, and memorizing every detail. Her fingers dropped to his waist and she ran a nail down the zipper. Eric struggled for breath as the simple touch was amplified by the feel of Jackie on his fingers – on his lips – standing between her legs.
"Eric, please." She whispered hoarsely. Eric left a wet trail of kisses up her chest to her shoulders. He tasted her skin there and moved back to her mouth inhaling her scent and the warmth of her naked torso. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her up to him against his bare chest. He could feel her breasts pressing into his skin and he could feel her trembling in his arms. It was a powerful feeling and he liked it.
But he didn't want to take her here, not like this - on a desk. God, why did she have to be so beautiful and sexy – he wanted her so much in a very carnal way. He hugged her to him and kissed her eyes and lips as her hands fluttered over his shoulder in need and want. "Jackie – baby, we have to stop."
She shook her head against his chest, "No, not now. I can't." She tried to get closer but Eric held her back. "Sweetheart, we can't do this here – not at your job."
Jackie could have sobbed. He was right of course, but she wanted him so bad! Was this her punishment for the coffee incident? Was this how he felt when she left him high and dry? God, this was cruel!
She looked up at him gazing down at her, his eyes were kind. "I know you're right but I don't like it."
Eric chuckled, "Hey, we got to third base and didn't even break rule three." She glowered at him. "Funny Forman - Find my bra, would you?"
*