PART 2/2
C.J. crept reluctantly out of a warm bed on Christmas morning. The tenderness of their lovemaking had continued as C.J. slept spooned with Danny, enjoying a dreamless, deep sleep.
She showered quickly and dressed in the living room to keep from waking Danny. Her mind went into work gear. The media was in for a surprise when they boarded the Press Bus and so was Bruno Gianelli.
The President and First Lady opted to eschew the opulence of the Basilica. They'd decided to attend the Sunrise Mass at St. Aloysius.
The urban church was smaller and more intimate and the Bartlets liked the pastor. C.J. knew it would be a tighter fit for the media but hoped coffee, juice and pastries in the utility room would appease them during Mass.
She made sure there was coffee for Danny and then left a note by it with a Christmas stocking. "Dom chilling in the fridge for later. Merry Christmas until then, you're cute when you're sleeping. I saw Santa and told him you've been very good. Love, C.J."
C.J. noticed a stocking on her dining room table. She couldn't resist the temptation of checking it out. She laughed because Danny was on her wavelength. He'd filled her stocking with some of the same items she'd used in his: paperback book, sugarless gum, toothbrush, toothpaste and an orange. But there was also a small gift-wrapped box. C.J. opened it and found two gold charms. She laughed at the flamingo and the goldfish.
She scrawled a thanks on the discarded wrap and tucked the tiny blue box into her suit pocket.
**
C.J. could hear the organ intoning the opening Christmas hymn at St. Aloysius. The media horde was settled downstairs with pastries and beverages. It was the President's treat for them and for the parishioners after Mass. C.J. knew the Press and Diocese were surprised at the President's choice of a place for worship.
But C.J. felt the older church with weathered pews, rich stained glass windows and the simple nativity scene was more appropriate. She was about to slip into her seat when she noticed another Mass goer.
Danny was just rising from the kneeler as Mass began. He glanced across the aisle and smiled at C.J. Then, he turned his attention to the joyful rite. C.J. shook her head in wonder and then concentrated on Mass.
**
At midmorning, C.J. was in her office closing out her abbreviated day. The Mass was lovely, the Congregation warm and welcoming, the photo op perfect.
She'd found an email from Danny telling her he'd posted an updated news blurb before leaving the apartment for Mass. Libby Rhodes would file the complete story. Danny's message informed C.J. he'd gotten a tip last night about the President's destination.
For the second time that morning she was shaking her head in wonder at the phenomenon that was Danny Concannon. Carol came in and asked, "Perplexed?"
"No, more like amazed."
"What did Danny do now?"
"Carol, are you working a psychic hot line as a second job?"
"I wish. This is easy, he's the only who flummoxes you."
"That's illegal in some states.", C.J. laughed. "Flummox. You must have gotten a word a day calendar and peeked."
"Maybe. But I'm right."
"He knew last night about the change in Mass locations. He never mentioned it."
"I'm sure you guys have better stuff to talk about."
"True. We just hit those topics in passing, no reason to dwell on them." She inclined her head toward a package in Carol's hands. "We already did gifts."
"This isn't for you, it's for Danny."
"Carol, that's very sweet."
"It's no big deal, I'm a fan. Just make sure he opens it after you finish exchanging gifts. Won't make sense otherwise."
C.J. was puzzled but agreeable. "Okay, I'm out of here. Merry Christmas, Carol."
"Man, I get tired of hearing those words strung together.", Carol sighed. "But thanks, same to you."
**
C.J. walked into her apartment and heard the TV on with a voice talking about a "double dog dare". She found Danny asleep on the living room floor, Christmas tree lit and "A Christmas Story" playing on TV.
Danny was sprawled out in his robe and looked like a kid who'd had too much Christmas. C.J. stared at him for a moment fighting the urge to tousle his hair. Instead, she went to change and emerged in her own robe. She lowered herself to the floor and cuddled up to Danny's back.
He stirred when she kissed his neck. "Ho, ho, ho.", he called out sleepily. "I didn't hear you come in."
"No problem, you've got the right idea." C.J. threw an arm around him and yawned. "We can find out later if Ralphie gets his B.B. gun."
They dozed for nearly an hour and woke midday as the movie's credits rolled. It started again in its annual marathon showing. Danny eased around to face C.J. He kissed her more fully awake. "Kind of like the movie 'Groundhog Day', the same thing happening."
"If you mean we keep kissing, I like the remake."
"I meant that movie." He indicated the TV. "But, we can improvise."
"Well…", C.J. nuzzled against his chest. "There should be presents, right."
"Santa knows you've been a good if mercenary girl. I gave him a glowing report. See." Danny rolled her towards the tree. Two large boxes awaited her attention.
It was her turn to be childlike. "Cool. I'll get yours. You get the Mimosas going."
"Dom Perignon in Mimosas. That's decadent. I like your style, Ms. Cregg."
Their return to the tree was simultaneous. Danny carried a tray with the pitcher of Mimosas and champagne flutes. C.J. placed one large and one small box under the tree.
She leaned in to kiss Danny while his hands were full. "First things first, thank you for the stockings and for these." She retrieved the box holding the charms from her robe pocket.
He returned the kiss. He set down the tray to caress her hair. "They're in their primitive state. Decide if you want a chain, a bracelet, a watch fob, earring backs, whatever and we'll make it happen."
"I'll drink to that and the, PRESENTS!"
They clinked glasses and drained the first round of Mimosas. C.J. looked at the tray. "Afterthought time, are you hungry? Want food with this?"
"I'm okay for the moment." He gave her an engaging grin. "I've got a confession."
"You should have done that before Mass."
"True, but this is minor on my list, actually, our list of transgressions." Their eyes connected and Danny hurriedly went on. "I snagged some of the media goodies at church since I'm in the media."
"So I've heard. It was good stuff. They ordered from one of the ethnic bakeries in the neighborhood."
"Great joints around there. We'll go to dinner nearby St. Aloysius soon."
C.J. liked his idea of looking ahead and seeing them together. It was something to look forward to in the future, for now she was focused on the stuff under the tree. "Okay, I'll pencil you in. For the moment, I want my presents."
"God, you're greedy." Danny started to reach for one of the boxes tagged for her.
She stopped him. "You're right. I already opened a gift. You get the first one."
"I did my stocking while you were gone."
"Yeah but there was nothing in there to unwrap. I've already unwrapped."
"There must be a flaw in your logic, but…"
"In the time it would take you to figure it out, you can open the gift." C.J. handed him the large box.
Danny inched the paper off. He took the time to examine the pattern, checked to see how the box was sealed and then eased it open.
"Yet another way you make me nuts, Fish Boy."
"None of the others draw complaints." He tossed aside the lid and moved tissue to find a huge leather bag. It was set up as a combination briefcase and laptop carrier with extra room. But it still managed to look compact.
"Do you like it? I know you have your own system and things have to be set up just so."
Her eagerness touched Danny as much as the gift. He shoved the box aside and pulled C.J. over to him. He kissed her and said, "I forgot to wish you a Merry Christmas."
"This beats a greeting card." She was swept deeper into his arms. Their kiss this time immediately included tongues and hands over bodies.
When Danny paused for a breath, he said. "I think the bag is great. It'll work perfectly and wear well. You put a lot of thought into its design. We'll fill it up later."
"Fine, now it's my turn." They'd ended up flat on the floor and she propped herself up on his chest. "I want a present."
He ran a hand down her body and parted the robe. She moaned as he caressed her breast. "It's sort of a theme present."
"Can't imagine what your goal is." She arched closer to his touch. "We can unwrap this gift later, Danny."
"Just give my gift a chance or I'll get nothing later." He retrieved his hand slowly from her breast and then sat up. He pulled a large box toward her.
She ripped off the paper in a frenzy and threw back the lid. C.J. looked at a box of videotapes. "It's 'The Avengers' on tape."
"Not just 'The Avengers', it's the series between 1965 and 1968. Those are the Golden Years."
"Danny, I don't know what to say." She sounded under whelmed and he hid a smile.
"Good." He nudged her. "Is that other box for me?"
"This. Yeah." C.J. handed him a small box. She bit her lip as she studied her first gift again.
The rustle of paper brought her focus back. She watched Danny pull off the lid on the black box. Nestled in gold tissue was an ornament.
"It says, 'Slugger'." He pulled the baseball out. "It's a Christopher Radko."
C.J. nodded, "They're hand made in Europe and very good quality."
"I like it." He leaned in to kiss her and ruffle her hair. "Thanks."
"There's an IOU in there."
Danny dug into the box and found a baseball schedule. It was for the San Francisco Giants 2002 season. C.J. had circled a Sunday date in late summer.
"Great, you've got tickets on the way for us. But you sure we can make an away game?"
"We should be fine. It's the weekend before the Convention, we'll be there prepping."
"First hot dog is on me."
"Don't worry about that. You might not be in the mood for a dog. See, there's more to the present. Slugger here," C.J indicated, "will be you there."
"Clarify, please."
"You'll get to take batting practice with the Giants."
"Good God."
"If you survive that, there's one more thing."
"There couldn't be anything else."
"You get to throw out the first pitch."
"C.J., I'm, it's, you're, you've made a dream come true." He finally managed to stutter out his gratitude.
Then action took over as he lifted her up into his arms. He settled her onto his lap and buried his face in her hair. Danny couldn't believe she'd paid attention to those unfulfilled dreams from his childhood.
C.J. moved his head back and touched her forehead to his. "You deserve it. Honestly, I think I'll enjoy it more. I can't wait to watch it happen."
"You are a wizard."
"Just a Berkley alum that reads the newsletter. I saw a classmate's name as P.R. director and made a few calls."
"Yeah, but me instead of the President?" He shook his head wonderingly.
"Well, he'll throw out the first pitch at the next game."
"I guess that's okay."
"Glad you can be so magnanimous."
"Well, my gifts really don't measure up."
"Danny, we're not keeping score." C.J. tried to sound convincing.
"Let's see if I came closer in this round." Danny handed her another large box but this one was a lighter weight. "You know, this deserves a little extra suspense. Close your eyes while you open it and then I'll get the lid off."
"You're being silly."
"Humor me."
She thought of refusing but he looked adorable begging. "Fine" She closed her eyes and covered them with her hand. C.J. used the other to rip off the paper. "It's off."
Danny heard the curious note in her voice. "Okay, lid's gone." He took her free hand and swirled it into the tissue paper. "Go to it."
C.J. felt leather; soft, buttery leather. It smelled rich and Italian. She opened her eyes to focus on a beautiful pair of knee high boots with stiletto heels. "Danny, Dolce and Gabana."
"My own rainman, you can tell just by looking."
"Oh yeah. These are gorgeous. I saw them and I was tempted. These are expensive."
"Doesn't matter you wanted'em. I could make it happen."
"I didn't mention them, you weren't at the thing."
"I type C.J. Cregg into search every day, just to see what brilliant things you've said. Plus Carol is an aider and abettor.
"Carol."
"She made sure I saw the quote. When you called the boots, 'fabulous, pointy and Emma Peel-like', I was in."
"Emma Peel. Now, I get the first gift."
"You've merged my fantasy women into one exquisite vision."
"Sounds intriguing, Danny." C.J. couldn't resist. She gingerly pulled the knee-high boots out of the tissue. She unzipped them and put one on.
Danny found it hard to concentrate as the zipper moved up her calf. "Emma Peel was my first prepubescent crush. Diana Rigg was a woman who made girls seem not so bad to a preteen."
"You couldn't have been that old when the series first ran here." C.J. raised a leg to admire the boots on. Danny enjoyed that sight and some of the bare inside thigh.
"Reruns, older neighbor kid, the one I told you about at dinner. With his help and encouragement I managed to see her and those formfitting catsuits with the boots."
"I had no idea about this side of you. My older brother liked her." She had the other boot on and bounced to her feet. "Another layer of Danny Concannon revealed, the fantasy of the unattainable woman."
"I wouldn't say that. She just started my life long affinity for stunning, bright, sexy women who can take care of themselves and maim a man."
"Good that you know all of that about me." C.J. paraded the length of the room and did a fashion runway turn. "Especially the part about hurting a man."
"In more ways than one. You're killing me now. Carol said you'd try these right on."
"You and my assistant seem pretty chummy."
"Love it when you get those green eyes over me. She stole a pair of your exquisite, extremely high, outrageously sexy heels for me."
"It worked. These fit like a dream."
"Or a fantasy."
"Oh, Carol, right. You reminded me. She sent this to you with instructions to open it last." She dug out the package.
Danny gave it a once over. "Obviously, a book. Couldn't be a how to manual. We're both way too smart in that area."
"Just open it, don't analyze." C.J. began to take off the boots.
"Usually what I say to you." Danny sighed. "They look great." The paper fell away and he began to laugh. "Carol's a treasure."
C.J. returned from putting the boots away in the bedroom. "Well, what?"
He held up a book. "It's the complete 'Guide To The Avengers'".
"Great, let's get rolling and watch some tapes."
He patted the couch and C.J. snuggled next to him.
They watched some of the black and white episodes laughing at the campiness. But they liked the way Emma Peel and John Steed worked with style and confidence in each other.
Danny moved to rewind a tape. C.J. stretched out her muscles and proposed food.
She whipped up a couple of omelets and they washed them down with the champagne.
She curled up with the guide and Danny moved his head onto her lap. C.J. laughed. "We are having the ultimate adult Christmas full of self indulgence."
"True. Complaints or regrets that it's not the big rollicking family thing?"
"The kind with a ham dinner and kids running around on a sugar high?"
Danny nodded and C.J. continued. "A little bit. I've had the family thing over the years with my family but it's not possible now. It's a trade off. We know all about that."
Danny was on her wavelength. "Maybe some day after the end of the Bartlet White House." He squeezed her closer. "Maybe some day, C.J."
They left it at that for the moment and settled back to watch more of the 1960's classic.
They nudged each other at the end of "Too Many Christmas Trees" when Steed had mistletoe at the end of a riding crop.
C.J. offered, "Guess that's where Carol got the idea."
"C.J., do you think that Steed and Mrs. Peel were lovers?"
"Of course. There's all that sexual energy, they obviously know each other very well and that enables them to work so well together."
"I'm inclined to agree. Guess they just call each other 'Mrs. Peel' and 'Steed' to throw people off."
"That would be my take." She sized up Danny. "Concannon. I'll call you that."
"Ms. Cregg, I doubt we're fooling any of our own evil geniuses."
"You're probably right. Discretion is no fun but necessary, at least for now."
Danny liked the sound of that and settled them back onto the couch. They remained in their cocoon, nestling with each other and fortifying themselves with champagne, savories and sweets.
Black and white episodes gave way to a series in color. C.J. got Danny's joke when the running gag of "Mrs. Peel, we're needed" showed up on a card in every episode.
"Now, I understand the card from last night. I thought you were just being..."
"Mysterious.", Danny finished for her.
"No."
"Gallant?"
"No."
"Romantic?"
"No. Odd." C.J. leaned in and kissed Danny. "But I get it now, it's inspired." She would look again at the printed card to remind her of his romantic streak and his creativity. She'd tucked it into her lingerie drawer along with matches from "Indian Delight".
The color episodes unfolded as the colors of the day moved to Christmas night. Each time Emma Peel appeared in another outfit with boots, there were pokes, grins and giggles.
Danny occasionally ran a finger over C.J.'s legs or down the hollow of her throat. But he kept his eyes on Diana Rigg's exploits.
"Fish Boy, you're too wrapped up in that. You need a dose of reality." C.J. slid off the couch and left him alone.
Minutes later, Danny was startled to attention when the TV set clicked off. He looked to see if he'd accidentally leaned on the remote's off button. The remote nearly clipped his jaw as it flew by and a voice called out, "Concannon, you're needed."
He turned to see C.J. lounging in the hallway. She'd coaxed her hair into a 60's style flip and gone heavy on the eyeliner and pale lipstick.
Danny got to his feet and noticed she wore the gold charms on a thread around her neck. They dangled in the valley between her breasts. Danny noticed she wore the new boots he'd given her. Danny noticed she wore nothing else.
He stared and his mouth fell open. "C.J., did you forget something?"
"Just trying to get your attention." She pouted a little. "You seemed more taken with Emma Peel than reality."
"Trust me, taking is on my mind and reality is its own fantasy come true." He noticed her nipples getting harder. "You might need some attention to stay warm."
She followed his gaze down and ran a hand across her breasts. She fiddled with the charms and saw the desire flash in his eyes. "I'm fine. Now, you look a little too warm."
C.J. strutted all around Danny plotting her next move. She wrapped her arms around him from the back. She fumbled to untie the robe's sash. Danny felt her pressing her body closer as she feigned a struggle with the knot. He groaned, "You're killing me."
She purred in his ear. "Not yet. But it's something to consider. Wonder what we'd list as cause of death." The knot gave way and she ran her hands the length of his body.
Before Danny could turn and take her in his arms, C.J. moved in front of him. She leaned in to kiss him lightly on the lips. Again, before he could respond, she was concentrating on another spot.
C.J. threw the robe off his shoulders and let it fall to his feet. She took Danny by the hand and led him a step down the hall. Then, she squared his shoulders and gave him a knowing smile.
She shimmied all around him enjoying the view of his naked body. She was having an effect on him. Her motions took her from his eye level to his feet.
"Hell, C.J. that looks like a professional move."
"We'll talk later about how well you know about those things."
"It's the boots.", Danny pleaded, "It's them, they send my mind in those directions."
"I'm slipping if I can't do that myself. I need to get your mind otherwise occupied." She ran her hands down his body with her body following. Her hands moved between his legs and she wrapped her fingers around him.
His breath caught in his throat. It escaped as a gasp when her mouth followed the same path.
He ran his fingers through her hair as her lips and tongue worked their magic on him. His breath wound threw the air trying to escape from his chest. The room was closing in, he removed his one hand from her hair and tried to find something to support him as his knees weakened.
His voice came out in a reluctant croak. "C.J., much as I'm enjoying this, I think we can do a little better in the bedroom."
She laughed and made a trail of kisses back up to his lips. "Still got a fantasy about Mrs. Peel?"
"Not a chance."
"Show me.", she invited.
"You better be sure."
"Show me or shut up."
"I'll show you and shut up." He bent a little to boost C.J. into his arms. She wrapped her legs around him and he felt the soft leather of the boots and her even softer skin.
Danny started down the hall towards her bedroom.
"I can walk." He stayed silent. "Danny, your back." No response. "Danny."
"I said, I'd shut up." He swallowed her next thoughts with his lips. C.J. moaned when she felt the molten force from his mouth.
He crossed the threshold of her bedroom and laid C.J. at the edge of the bed. She started to roll to the center and he ordered, "Hold it."
"What?"
"I want you here, like this." He planted himself between her legs and bent toward her. "You sure you're ready?"
She saw the desire darken his eyes, it burned toward lust. C.J. shivered with anticipation. This man craved her. She nodded and braced her hands on the linens.
Danny liked that she was a little nervous. Last night had been all about tenderness, this was all about need, power and hunger. His hands began to move over her body. This wasn't gentle caressing, it was rough and possessive.
His fingers tweaked her nipple and then molded her breasts. She whimpered and he saw her lips part as her eyes half closed. "You're not going anywhere C.J. until I let you go. You're going to watch what I do to you."
Danny parted her lips deeper with his tongue and teeth. His mouth sent heat from her mouth all the way to her center. She felt every inch of her body on fire. She was caught in a storm of emotions.
He ripped his mouth from hers and began to sample her skin. He tasted salt, there was sweat building. Every moan, whimper and whisper made him harder and more determined to possess her.
His hands streaked down her torso and he found her. She was open and ready. He plunged his fingers into her and she shot over the edge. "Stop.", she begged.
"Stop? You can't take it anymore, C.J.?" Danny eased his fingers out and just stroked her.
She shuddered and tried to focus. "No, don't stop. More."
"You have to make up your mind." His voice was caressing her, but insistent.
"I can't think.", she whispered. "You decide."
Danny was pleased she was giving him control. "I have to have you this way; crazy, mindless, hot."
She couldn't find words just incoherent sounds. C.J. used action and wrapped a hand around his erection. That heightened his arousal. C.J. guided him toward that velvet tunnel and he knew his answer.
"Give in C.J., you're mine and you want to be." He pushed her hand away and entered her. He went deep and her eyes shot open. He wrapped her legs in the boots around him. "Hold on, fantasy woman."
She had no choice but to listen him. He began to pump inside her. Every stroke pulled her deeper into his power. This was raw mating sex and she panted out a plea for him to continue.
He slid a hand to her center and used his finger in time with his thrusts. She was thrashing and wild. Danny could feel her climbing toward the peak. As he started to empty himself into her, she clutched him tighter inside of her and screamed his name.
Danny pulled her to him and held her as they let their bodies ease back to earth. She wrapped around him tightly. "Hold me."
"I'm here." He caressed her back as he left her body. "Let's settle in." He climbed with her to the center of the bed.
C.J. was quivering and Danny asked, "Okay?"
"It shouldn't be like this."
His tone was concerned. "Like what? C.J., was I too rough, too demanding?"
She reached up to run a tender hand over his face. "God, no. I was thinking that after all this time, the sex, the making love shouldn't be this incredible."
"I don't follow."
"Danny, we've been together longer than some marriages last. This should be mundane."
"Making love to you is never mundane. Part of our secret is that we can't count on time together now, so we have to make the most of our time."
"That keeps up the excitement, but Danny there's more, there's this bond. I've never loved or trusted anyone as much as you."
"I feel like I abused that trust by being so rough."
"No complaints from me. It was exciting and it's flattering to know how deep your craving for me runs."
"It's not a craving, C.J., it something essential to my survival."
She kissed him and then turned on her side to face him. With her head propped in her hand, she grinned. "Good, because I thought it was just the boots."
Danny toyed with the charms still around her neck. "That didn't hurt. Just in case you have any doubts..." Danny slid down to unzip one boot. He left a line of kisses on her calf as he exposed her skin. He tossed the boot aside and repeated the action with the other leg.
He traced patterns on her legs as he worked himself back to her mouth. She pulled him down and they began to kiss with some urgency. They knew time was ticking away on their interlude.
The President and his family planned to be in Manchester for New Year's Eve. It would be hard to find time alone. C.J. put her thoughts into words. "I wish the Bartlets would stay here."
"I know. But you have new boots to wear, maybe by then you'll have a choice to make."
She stopped running her hands through his hair. "I only have one pair of fabulous boots."
"You're so easily distracted."
"Am not. I know how many..." her words trailed off as he cupped her. She moaned and rocked against his hand.
"Right." He eased his hand away. "As I was saying, you are easily distracted."
"If I say, 'am not' again, will you prove me wrong again?"
"Later. There was an IOU for you in the box. The short ankle boots with another wicked stiletto heel are on the way."
"That's too generous."
"I couldn't decide on which pair I liked better so I got both."
"Thank you."
"Can't wait to see them on you, especially if it's the only thing on you."
"That would be the way to start the New Year." C.J. sighed.
Danny made a mental note to figure out some way to get to C.J. at midnight. Maybe Josh could help. "We'll have plenty of time down the line, C.J. For now..."
She reached for him. "For now, Concannon, you're needed again."
"An Avenger's work is never done.", he whispered before her mouth covered his.
###
Story note: I had a Christmas story in mind and then I saw a quote from Allison Janney at a charity auction. She talked about wanting the Emma Peel like boots. That set everything in motion.-ljd