Chapter Four: 'Tis The Season

He sits at his desk, quite pleased with himself. He knows that it's ridiculous. "A ridiculous looking bird", she had said. She's so beautiful when she sleeps. Hell, she's beautiful all the time. But, so peaceful when she sleeps. Most of the time. And here he is again. Taken completely off-track by thoughts of CJ. He really needs to reign himself in. Except there isn't much pressing business to attend to now. So, a little harmless meandering won't hurt.

He takes the list he's made and gives it to Harrow. They'll start using the new codenames tomorrow. He wonders if he should tell her. Warn her. No, better to have it be a surprise. He can picture the look on her face. Surprised, and a little naughty. He really is taken with this woman. He signs out for the day and shuts down his computer. It's time to go home. He calls upstairs and discovers that she's ready to go.

Ron likes the holidays. Always has. But, this year they bring an unexpected advantage. CJ's office isn't nearly as busy as usual. So, they've been able to spend more evenings together than not. He drives to her apartment and waits on the front steps for her. He contemplates going in. She'd given him the key just after Thanksgiving. But, it still seems a bit presumptuous to him. He'll give her another thirty minutes. She had said she was on her way out. Another thirty minutes and then he's going to use his key. It's freezing out and the wind is picking up.

He watches as she parks the car. Appreciates the view as she bends over to pick up the purse she dropped as he walks over to help her with the bags.

"What the hell are you doing out here?"

"I was waiting for you."

"It's a hundred below. Are you crazy?"

He laughs and reminds her that if it really were a hundred below they would be dead. She shakes her head and laughs as she hands over a couple of bags.

"Besides, I thought you were on your way."

She ducks her head as she puts the key in the lock and opens the door. She waits until they are in the elevator, heading for her floor before she responds.

"I got dinner. I don't have anything in the fridge and I thought you might be hungry."

"Do you ever have anything in your refrigerator?"

That earns him a smack on the arm. But, he doesn't mind. She unlocks her door and hits the light switch. He follows her into the kitchen and places the bags of food on the counter.

"Uh, CJ? Are you expecting more people for dinner?"

"No. Why?"

"Well, you've got enough food here for five people."

"I couldn't make up my mind. So, I just got a little of everything. Besides, this way I'll have some food here. At least for a couple of days."

She smiles shyly as she grabs plates and utensils. He turns her to him once she's put the plates down and kisses her softly. She returns the kiss and almost snuggles into his embrace.

"Ron, you know I'm not interested in you just for your cooking skills, right?"

He laughs and holds her another minute.

"Well, I was starting to wonder."

She laughs as well. He helps her pull out the containers of Thai food and they help their plates. They talk about their childhoods during dinner. No matter how many things Ron finds out about her, he's always anxious to know more. He is fascinated by her.

Later, as they are both drifting off to sleep, he asks her about Christmas. He thinks she probably wants to spend it with Tom and his family. She adores Hogan and tries to see her as often as she can. He's sorry to find out that they are going to spend it in Napa with the rest of the family.

"You could probably get a flight out on Christmas eve."

"Yeah. But, it's not worth it. I have too much to do here. I could only go for a couple of days anyway."

"And it has nothing to do with your father bringing his new girlfriend?"

"No. Okay, maybe. I just... I never liked her. She was the worst teacher I had. And now, only a year after divorcing Number Two, he's bringing Molly for Christmas. It's too much. It's... she's not part of the family."

"CJ, it's okay. You don't have to justify it to me."

"I know."

"They're going to miss you. And you're going to miss them."

"Yeah."

"Do you know what you're going to do?"

"No. I'll probably end up at Josh's playing poker."

"You could be with me."

"In Manchester? Are you nuts? You don't think that would be obvious, me trailing after you?"

"I don't have to go with the President."

"You don't?"

"No. I'd much rather be here with you. I can request Christmas off. It is one of the perks of being the head of the detail."

"I'd like that."

"Well, then it's settled. But, I think we should have Christmas at my place. It would take too much to get your kitchen stocked in time. And since I'll have to cook anyway... ."

He's stopped by an elbow gently hitting him in the ribs. She's laughing though, so he knows he hasn't offended her. And it's nice to hear the laughter. He knows, even without seeing her in the darkness of the bedroom that she was close to tears talking about her father. He rubs her back as she kisses his cheek. And sleep comes easily soon after.

~*~

The White House isn't the largest building in the world. But, there are over a hundred people who work here. He's not sure why, but it still amazes him how fast gossip spreads here. Like wildfire.

She's pissed. Or so he's heard. They started using the new codenames today. Apparently CJ had hear hers and flipped out. She's been complaining to almost everyone upstairs. At least, that's what Jaime had said. He'd also warned Ron to be expecting a visit. CJ's said she's going to talk to someone. And that would be him.

He's not sure when she'll come see him. He left a message on her cell phone. He saw her briefing. Knows she's upset about Lowell Lydell. Ron's pretty busy organizing the last-minute preparations for the detail going to Manchester. But, he tries to catch her briefings whenever he can. He hopes they'll have a chance to talk about it later.

Ron watches her last briefing. He hasn't had the chance to see her today. Lowell Lydell died. It takes an almost physical effort to force the bile down. To not give in to the disgust he feels right now. Most of the agents are reacting the same way. He supposes it's part of what makes them good at their jobs. The desire to protect. To defend. Young Mr. Lydell didn't have anyone there to defend him. And it makes Ron sick. He can see that it makes CJ sick too. She's good at covering it. Most probably wouldn't even notice. But, most haven't seen her at five am, fresh out of the shower either. He smiles slightly at that and feels immeasurably better.

~*~

He's worried. And more than a little upset. He hates feeling like the jealous boyfriend. But, that's exactly how he feels. He knows now that CJ must have been really mad about "Flamingo". Probably still is. He hasn't spoken to her since yesterday morning. When they left for work in separate cars.

He had hoped to talk to her about Lowell Lydell. And to see if she was really as mad as he'd been lead to believe. But she didn't answer her cell. And he didn't want to leave a message with Carol. So, he kept leaving messages. And then, when he was ready to leave and possibly go find her to talk, Leo had called.

It had been a bizarre request. He couldn't figure out why Leo had wanted Josh and Sam followed in the first place. Let alone "off the record". Until he ran the address where they ended up. He knew who she was. CJ had told him about it months ago. Of course, he never let on to Leo that he knew who this woman was. It wouldn't be right to betray CJ's trust that way. So he had delivered the information to a furious Chief of Staff. Ron couldn't help but wonder what could be that important that they would try to use Sam's friend that way.

He does know that CJ had invited Sam and Josh for dinner. And he knows why they turned her down. He wonders about how much she wants to avoid him if she's trying to make other plans. And he worries a little more. He can't believe that this might be the end for them. He loves CJ too much to let go without a fight. But, he can't very well fight if she won't speak to him.

And now he's heard from Mike that CJ is going to dinner tonight with the reporter. He didn't need to ask which one. The guy gave her a fish for crying out loud. He had tried not to be jealous of that. He had. And CJ had been pretty persuasive in showing him that he had nothing to worry about. But now.

His thoughts are interrupted by the slamming of a door in the outer office. The familiar clicking of her heels assures him that his guess was correct. And now CJ is standing in his doorway, hands on hips, glaring.

"Good afternoon, CJ. And how are you today?"

"Don't. Don't even try to be nice to me. How could you? Just answer me that. How could you?!"

He steps away from his desk and closes the door. He's sure this argument will turn less than professional quickly. And that's not something the other agents need to hear. No matter how much they might enjoy it.

"Can I assume we are discussing your new codename?"

He can almost feel the anger radiating from her body. He knows enough to know that she's pumped herself up for this fight. And now she's ready to start spitting nails.

"Codename my ass! What, you thought it was funny? Show everyone you're getting it on with the Press Secretary? I can't believe I was so wrong about you."

"CJ. You need to calm down a little. I don't think this is something you want the rest of the building to hear."

"Why not? You went ahead and announced it didn't you? Did everybody down here get a good laugh about the way I sleep?"

She's pacing now. He can't believe she would come down here and yell at him like this. And then. Her words penetrate his own anger and hurt feelings. He hears what she's said. And it hurts even more than the punch in the gut of her going to dinner with Concannon.

"My God, CJ. Did you honestly think that I told anyone why I chose that name?"

He stands staring at her. She stops the back and forth motion and looks at him. Looks in his eyes. She slumps into his guest chair and shakes her head.

"I don't know. I just... why?"

"I know that you want to keep our relationship a secret. And I agree with you. But, I don't like having to keep such a distance all the time. I thought... I don't know. I thought it would be our own special thing. I thought every time you heard it you would remember how much I love you. I was wrong."

She sits up. Her back straight as a board. She blinks several times, trapping the tears before they can fall.

"I'm an idiot."

It's almost a whisper. And she stands as soon as it's out of her mouth. Comes to a stop in front of him. Close, and nearly touching.

"Ron, I thought... . I thought you were... which was wrong. You're not that kind of person. It startled me. Hearing that from someone else. I jumped to conclusions. The wrong conclusions, obviously. I'm sorry."

"I should have told you first. I thought it would be this great surprise. I'm the idiot."

He places his hands on her shoulders and looks into her eyes.

"But CJ, you have to remember that I'm not them. I'm not Ben or Tad or even Toby. I would never do that to you. I know, Toby wasn't like them either. You don't have to defend him to me. But, I'm not him either. I won't ever hurt you intentionally. It would help, if you could remember that more often."

He smiles to try and soften the blow of his words. He can see that he's partially successful. She relaxes. The muscles under his hands lose some of their tension.

"Yeah. There's a reason my dating record isn't so stellar. And picking the wrong guy wasn't always the only one. Just, do me a favor okay? No more surprises."

"I think I've learned my lesson. Believe me."

"So, what do you think?"

He tilts his head. He has no idea what she's talking about now.

"It's our first fight, Ron. How do you think we did?"

"Could have been worse."

She laughs that low, throaty laugh and he can almost see the weight being lifted from her body. He hugs her then. Tightly. And kisses her ear.

"So, I can still come for Christmas, right?"

"Yeah. But, I know you have plans tonight."

He can't keep all the bitterness from his voice. She pulls back. Stung. He regrets it immediately. But, if they're having their first fight, they might as well go for broke.

"I was pissed. I was wrong, but there you have it. It was stupid. I'll cancel it. As soon as I go upstairs. I was trying... ."

"To get back at me?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry."

"Me too."

She pulls him towards her and holds his face in her hands.

"I love you, Ronald Butterfield. Just you."

"I know, Claudia."

"Yeah, okay. We'll stick with Ron."

They laugh then. And he thinks it's the lightest he's felt in days. And he knows it to be true. He walks her back toward her office. Stops in the corridor, remembering something he needs to take to Leo. So, he whispers in her ear that he's thinking of having extra agents assigned to the west wing, just to hear "Flamingo" come over his earpiece. She laughs again and he knows that things are just as they should be. He tells her to call him when she's ready to go.

~*~

He can't believe how many people are out shopping on Christmas Eve. He forgets sometimes that he and CJ are not the only ones who don't have time to go to a grocery store on a normal basis. He's pleased that he was able to get everything for tomorrow. He thinks CJ will enjoy this Christmas dinner. He wonders how CJ is doing with the pathetically lopsided tree they had found on the way home.

He doesn't have to wonder long. He opens the door to the most amazing sight. CJ is dancing around his living room. Singing at the top of her lungs, "Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves" as she throws tinsel half-hazardly over the stunted limbs of the fir. It's intoxicating. He stops dead in his tracks and watches for a moment. Until she twirls and sees him. He smiles and enters the apartment.

"How long have you been watching?"

"Long enough for your voice to get low and sexy on the line about the men laying their money down."

He waggles his eyebrows and she laughs. She throws the last of the tinsel at the tree and helps him unload the groceries.

"There wasn't much I could do with the tree. Sorry."

"No, it looks good. Especially all those clumps of tinsel in odd places."

She swats his arm and looks appraisingly at the tree in the other room.

"She was right, I guess. My grandmother. When I was little, she would come over when we trimmed the tree. My brothers and I hated it because she would never let us throw the tinsel. Always made us put it on one string at a time. I never understood that. This is the first tree I've decorated since. And I was feeling rebellious."

She smiles that sexy smile that melts his insides every time.

"Well in that case, it's the most beautiful tree I've ever seen, CJ."

She kisses him then. Swiftly and passionately. And there is nothing he wants more than to forget about the groceries. But, there are things that could spoil and he forces himself to step back.

"I need to get this stuff in the fridge first. You're done with the tree, right?"

"Yeah."

She helps him put everything away. Faster than ever before and soon she is in his arms again. They head for the bedroom, but CJ stops him. Tells him to turn out the lights. When he has she plugs in the Christmas tree. The lights surrounding the tree start blinking. It really is the best tree he's ever seen. Even if that makes him feel a little like Charlie Brown. She stands there, illuminated by the twinkling lights and he knows they won't make it to the bedroom. At least not right away.

He takes two steps forward. Unbuttoning his shirt already. He watches her take a deep breath. He sheds the shirt and tosses it in the general direction of the bedroom. He kicks off his shoes in the next two steps. Then he stops. Watches her unbutton her jeans. He follows their progress down her impossibly long legs with his eyes. She steps out of them with more grace than he could ever hope for. Her sweater goes over her head in a quick movement that increases his pulse. He steps out of his pants and grabs the blanket she'd left on his couch the last time she was here. He puts it on the floor, next to the blinking lights and the scent of fir. His boxers are the last to go. And then he stands. Watching. He loves watching her. She is so beautiful, so sexy. Her bra and underwear join his shorts, somewhere. And he's holding her. Kissing her, touching her.

He would like to be suave. Place her on the floor in some elegant fashion. But, they are both too tall and too old for gymnastics of that sort. So he contents himself with holding out his hand for support as she gets on her knees. He joins her and kisses her again. Tasting the coffee she must have had before he came home. Their tongues duel, and he lets her win. Relishes in it. He holds her gently as he lowers her the rest of the way to the floor. He remembers to be grateful that she's on the pill now so he doesn't have to leave her, even for a moment.

He lies next to her as his hands explore his favorite places. The valley between her breasts. Her upper thighs. Her stomach. He feels her nails raking gently along his spine. She shifts so that her legs are farther apart. She breaks the kiss and looks at him through half-lidded eyes. He thinks she's at her sexiest when she's like this. Almost wanton.

He moves over her, bracing himself on his upper arms. Her legs spread further. Inviting. He moves toward her and positions himself between her thighs. She grips his upper arms and he pushes into the welcoming, wet heat. He uses one hand to guide her hip as he fills her. He feels her muscles expand around him. Making room. He stays there. Feeling her holding him inside. He kisses her cheek and whispers in her ear. He moves slowly, wanting to prolong this. For her. But, he feels her tighten around his length and knows she has other plans. He lifts himself up slightly and starts rocking into her. Her grip on his arm tightens and he hears her low moan. He thrusts harder and faster. She meets his rhythm. His strokes grow more shallow as he feels her muscles contract. He catches his breath. Tries to proclaim his love in more than grunts and half-syllables. Knows he's not successful. He increases the pace again. She pulls him deeper and deeper with each thrust. He pulls almost completely out and plunges in again. She tightens around him and he knows he's almost lost. He kisses her shoulder blade trying to hold off. He feels her hands move from his arms to his back. He knows she's close. He pushes back and loses the rhythm. He thrusts twice more and then he spills inside her. He takes a gulp of air into his lungs and feels her squirming underneath him. He rocks back and forth for her now. He feels her climax as he watches her face. Hears her almost silent cry as she clenches around him. He watches her face as he feels the aftershocks.

He kisses her gently and rolls them to their sides. Still joined. He tucks an errant lock of hair behind her ear and holds her close as she moves one leg over his thigh. It stills thrills him. That she doesn't want to lose the contact anymore than he does. He watches her eyes flutter closed. Whispers his love for her. Listens to her own declarations of love. And he lets sleep take him as he slips out of her.

~*~

Later, they make their way to the bed. And they make love again. She wakes him early the next morning, beaming at him because it is Christmas morning. She blushes from her face down to her breasts when he tells her that she is the best present he could have asked for. He laughs as he talks to his sister and her family. He holds CJ as she talks to her family, tells her it's alright when she cries. Next year they'll go to her family's Christmas together. Feels a small thrill when she calls and talks to Toby, Josh and Leo, still in his pajama top. He breathes a sigh of relief when she smiles genuinely at his gift, a simple gold necklace. Laughs when he opens the tie she got him with flamingos on it. Tells her he really does love the sweater and the watch. He feels more content than he ever has as they eat dinner and watch "It's A Wonderful Life". They laugh as she plays Sam's message over and over again. And he doesn't mind when she falls asleep on his lap. He decides he wouldn't want to be anywhere else. So he holds her and watches the lights of the tree winking on and off until he too falls asleep.

End of Chapter Four