Abbey wasn't halfway across the floor when she was stopped by Suzanne and surrounded by a group of almost identical large breasted women with big hair and even bigger diamonds. Suzanne made the introductions, these were the wives of some of the oilmen Jed had been meeting with. Abbey had to bite back a grin when she thought of the doddering old white haired group of men that had gone into the house with Jed being with these women who were young enough to be their daughter's and in some cases granddaughter's. She smiled politely making all the right social niceties all the while knowing she would never be able to tell one Miss Texas candidate from the next.

By the time she was able to gaze past them back to where Jed had been standing it was too late. People surrounded him as well and any hope of private time between them was dashed. This party was purely going to be about politics and nothing else. She knew the score; she'd been to enough of these to know her role. Still, she couldn't help but wish that she could spend some time with her husband.

Disappointed, she turned to go inside to the ladies room and nearly bumped into Bruno.

"You made a great speech today," he told her.

"Thanks," she said, surprised, then gave him a sly grin. "I tried to fit in."

"Yeah," Bruno smiled. "I saw that. I'll have to remember to watch what I say to you, won't I?"

"Oh, come on, Bruno, it's not so bad. I could look like one of the implant crowd over there." Abbey turned toward the group of Anna Nicole Smith wannabes she'd just been introduced to in their bright skintight sheaths, their enhanced breasts spilling out of their dresses.

Bruno glanced at the top heavy group then took in the elegance of Abbey's upswept auburn hair and her strapless Givenchy gown, the way it nipped in at her waist and revealed only the barest hint of her lovely natural breasts. Her only jewelry was a pretty necklace of subtle diamond crescents and small dark sapphire drops in her ears. Everything about her screamed class.

"You look very pretty."

"Why, Bruno, is that actually a compliment about how I look coming from YOUR mouth?"

"I never said you didn't look good. If you'll remember correctly the problem was that I thought you looked TOO good."

"Thank you," Abbey flashed him a pleased smile. "I think I'll take that as a compliment."

"A grudging one," he agreed. "Now if you'll excuse you there are some people that I want to make sure the President meets."

"By all means."

****

Coming out of the ladies room, Abbey paused for a moment at the windows overlooking the party below. Jed was being introduced to one of the Anna Nicole's and the woman was fawning all over him. Abbey's eyes narrowed as the woman shook Jed's hand and blatantly pressed her huge breasts into his arm. Jed laughed at something she said but Abbey noticed him discreetly take a step back. 'That's my man' she thought to herself with satisfaction.

"Abbey?" Suzanne had stepped up next to her and was watching the President and the flirting blond.

"Hi, I just came in to use the ladies room. I better get back outside and raise more money." Abbey turned to walk away but Suzanne grasped her forearm almost desperately.

"Do you ever worry?" She asked. Abbey was surprised to see the sheen of tears in Suzanne's eyes.

"Worry about what?" Abbey looked puzzled.

"About the President…and THEM" she gestured down to where another woman had pressed up to Jed's other side. "He's a very good looking man, charismatic, and power is an incredible aphrodisiac."

"Yes, he is," Abbey agreed. "And, yes, I'll admit that being with the most powerful man in the world can be one hell of a turn on, but, no, I don't worry. Oh, I have my jealous moments, believe me, but deep down inside I trust Jed."

"These women throw themselves at our men, Abbey, that isn't easy to resist."

"Our MEN are not teenage boys, Suzanne. They're old enough to have self-control and to know the difference between right and wrong. I've had men make passes at me over the years, sometimes it's insulting, sometimes it's flattering, but none of it means anything. It's not like I'd ever consider throwing over my marriage vows or my commitment to Jed and I expect the same from him."

"And you never worry about having him on too long a leash?"

"I don't have him on leash at all. A relationship has to be based on trust, without that you have nothing but fear and insecurity. If I had to have Jed on a leash I'd know that he was never really mine to begin with."

Suzanne nodded, her eyes still riveted to the party, this time to where her own husband was chatting up a storm with a beautiful young woman. She wished to God that she could be as sure of her man as Abbey was of the President, but then again, John didn't have a particularly great track record when it came to fidelity.

"Are you okay, Suzanne?" Abbey asked with concern. "Is there anything you want to talk about?"

Suzanne looked at Abbey. How nice it would be to confide in another person all her doubts and fears but she couldn't do it. Not with Abbey. She couldn't bear to have the shame and humiliation of John's womanizing come to light. "No,"she said finally. "I'm fine. We better get back down, they'll be missing us."

****

Jed's eyes scanned the guests that crowded around the dance floor trying to locate his wife. He'd seen her return from the house with Suzanne Hoynes but she'd been whisked away almost immediately. Finally he caught a glimpse of her bright hair gleaming in the moonlight. She was, yet again, the center of attention of a small group of guests. She was as in demand tonight as he was. He watched her telling stories and laughing and generally charming the socks off the contributors. She could be damn good at this stuff when she wanted to be.

Determined to throw her slightly off balance, Jed made his way over to the makeshift bar, ostensibly to get another scotch and water, but really because to get there he had to walk past his wife. As he did so, he paused for a moment placing a hand on the small of her back and dropping a quick kiss on her bare shoulder. Abbey stiffened with surprise at the feel of his warm lips on her skin. Damn him, he always knew just how to get her all hot and bothered and she'd planned on having the upper hand tonight.

Knowing the inner turmoil he had just created within her, Jed took her hand for the sole purpose of feeling her racing pulse. "I'm going over to the bar. Can I get you a refill?" He asked.

Just as determined not to be thrown off balance, Abbey simply handed him her glass and turned back to her many admirers.

Ah, so that's the way she wanted to play it, Jed thought as he made his way to the bar. Nobody was better at playing hard to get than Abbey, and nobody enjoyed the thrill of the pursuit more than he did. It was going to be a fun evening.

****

With the party in full swing Abbey was able to elude Jed fairly easily. She accepted every offer to dance, but while she swayed in other men's arms she kept waiting, anticipating the tap on the shoulder that would indicate her husband cutting in. He didn't.

Jed knew that Abbey was waiting for him to cut in but he was deliberately not asking her to dance. He watched her lifting old Senator Smither's hands from where they fell too familiarly close to her rear. Normally that was his cue to move in. Not this time, she was expecting that.

Frustrated, Abbey tried to put some air between she and George Smithers. She'd only accepted his offer to dance because she knew it would draw Jed's ire. The old coot had never been able to keep his hands to himself and tonight was no different. But, Jed was not rushing to her rescue this evening. She looked over George's shoulder trying to catch a glimpse of her husband. She found him on the edge of the dance floor talking with John Hoynes. Abbey swallowed at the sexy half smile he sent her way. That damn smile that always caused her breath to catch in her throat no matter how many times he'd flashed it at her. It took her a moment but she quickly regained her composure her eyes shooting daggers at him.

"I think your wife is looking for some help," John said with a half smile. "Smither's doesn't give up easily, does he?"

"She got herself into that mess, she'll have to get herself out."

John looked at Jed with surprise. He'd been around the President enough to know just how possessive he was over his wife. Then he noticed that Jed wasn't quite as nonchalant as he'd seemed, the man was watching his wife like a hawk.

"You mind if I give her a break?"

"Be my guest."

John set his club soda down and made his way across the dance floor to cut in on the First Lady. He'd almost made it to Abbey when CJ stepped in front of him. CJ knew exactly where he was headed. She'd watched him dancing closer than protocol would dictate with several buxom young women and saw the predatory gleam in his eye as he made his way across the floor.

"Hey CJ" he grinned.

CJ eyed him stonily. That charm did not work on her anymore. "Where are you going?"

"The First Lady has the imprint of George Smither's hands all over her butt. I'm moving in for the rescue."

"Why, so you can replace them with yours?" CJ asked snidely.

"CJ" John gave her the wounded little boy look that always worked so well with women, only this time it wasn't working on CJ.

"Don't do it John. Leave the First Lady alone, she's not on the market."

John leaned in close and spoke softly for CJ's ears only. "I'm not stupid enough to start anything with Abbey."

"I mean it John. Leave Abbey alone." CJ's tone was firm and John took heed. Here was a woman who could truly damage him and he wasn't willing to risk that for a dance with Abbey.

"You don't give me much credit for having any character at all, do you?"

"You forget, I know firsthand all about your lack of character. Why don't you ask your wife to dance, I think that might be a little more appropriate."

John looked over to where Suzanne stood chatting with the CEO of an oil company and a small pang clenched his heart. She was a good woman, a good wife and a good mother; she didn't deserve the pain that he'd caused her with his roving eye. God, if she knew about…Guilt and remorse ate at him and he moved away from Abbey towards his wife.

Jed had watched the little exchange between John and CJ with a puzzled look. He had no idea why his press secretary would have such a stern look on her face as she spoke with his vice President or why John veered from asking Abbey to dance to asking Suzanne instead.

He didn't have much time to ponder the meeting for it was announced that it was time to sit down for supper.

In keeping with the down home barbecue theme seating had not been arranged. However, both the Bartlet's and the Hoynes had been in politics long enough to know that they would have to divide up, one for each table so they could meet with as many people as possible.

Later, with the main course finished and some people milling about while other's still ate their dessert, Jed was finally able to make his move. He found Abbey at a table picking at her chocolate mousse and chatting with columnist/author Molly Ivins. Jed had always gotten a kick out of Molly's humor and he eagerly joined in the conversation although he did have an ulterior motive. Abbey felt him pressing up closer and closer to her and wondered just what he was up to. She didn't have to wonder for long, she felt his hand on her leg, kneading the fabric of her gown. She knew exactly what he was looking for, the slit in the side. She saw the slight grin touch his lips as he found it and slipped his hand inside to run over the silk stockings that covered her knee.

Abbey tried to push his insistent hand off but her effort was half hearted, as she knew that to really fight him would only draw attention to what he was doing. The man certainly did know how to pick his battles.

Jed knew he had her between a rock and hard place and he was enjoying himself immensely. He traced his index finger lightly over the curve of her knee, then began to inch higher and higher up her thigh.

Abbey swallowed trying to continue chatting with the guests that still sat at the table and trying equally hard not to squirm. What Jed was doing to her under the table was all the more erotic because they were in the middle of a party. Abbey did get a moment of satisfaction as Jed's fingers inched higher up her thigh and encountered the lace edge of her stockings. She saw his face tighten the moment his fingers touched the bare flesh of her inner thigh and he realized that she wasn't wearing pantyhose. His fingers only lingered for a few more moments before he shifted in his seat and withdrew his hand.

Abbey saw him grab a glass of water and take a large gulp. The look on his face and the slight flush on his cheeks told Abbey all she needed to know about why he'd withdrawn his hand. For verification purposes, and a little payback, she slipped her own hand under the tablecloth and slid her fingers softly over her husband's crotch. She watched him clutch more tightly to his glass as she traced the tell- tale bulge she knew she'd find there.

Abbey leaned in to whisper into his ear. "You know what happens when you play with fire, stud muffin? You get burned."

"Burn me, baby, burn me," he whispered back with a little wink.

Abbey grinned down at him and got to her feet knowing that Jed would have to wait for a few more minutes before he was in any condition to follow. "Leo, Sam and Josh just got here. I'm going to go over and say hi."

Jed scowled at her departing form. It wasn't fair that she could so easily walk away from their teasing play while his body would blare to the world what they'd been up to.

Abbey approached the trio of men. Her first thought was to ask Leo to dance; however she nixed the idea immediately. Using Leo to get at Jed would be cruel, and Leo was trying so hard to make things right again, she wasn't going to jeopardize that. Instead, she turned to Sam.

"Dance with me, Sam." It was an order not a request.

"Uh…ma'am" Sam stuttered nervously, as she dragged him out to the dance floor

"What's the matter, Sam, don't you want to dance with me?"

Sam gave a nervous glance over to where the President was sending black looks his way. He never passed up the chance to dance with a beautiful woman, but when that woman's husband was eyeing him with looks that could kill and when that woman's husband happened to be his boss it didn't seem like such a smooth move. "Well, uh, it's just…the President doesn't look too happy."

"Be a man, Sam." Abbey took his hand and placed it on her hip then moved in closer to his chest thankful that it was a slow song, knowing it wouldn't take Jed long to get over his stew and make his way to them.

Sam noticed the First Lady's eyes were constantly gazing over his shoulder looking at the President. "Is there something that I should be aware of? Are you using me to make the President angry? I mean I really don't want to get in the middle of any…"

"Oh for heaven's sake, Sam, this is the 21st century, not the 18th, I highly doubt Jed is going to call you out for dancing too close to his wife."

Sam wondered for a moment if the First Lady knew what she was talking about for as she spoke the President was making his way across the dance floor, a steely look on his face. Sam held his breath, letting it out with relief when the President merely tapped his shoulder.

"I'm cutting in." Jed's tone was curt and Sam stepped away immediately.

"You're supposed to ask permission," Abbey reprimanded him. "You're being rude."

"I'm cutting in," Jed insisted, and, nearly pushing Sam aside, he wrapped a quick arm around Abbey's waist and pulled her up tightly against him.

"It's okay, ma'am…" Sam turned to walk away, happy to be out of the awkward situation. Nothing good ever came from getting between the President and the First Lady.

"Coward" Abbey called out to his retreating form. Sam simply nodded without turning around and made his way quickly off the dance floor.

"You're wearing my necklace." Jed ran his finger underneath the necklace he'd created for her and over her collarbone.

"Mmm…"Abbey shivered not only from the sensation of his finger on her skin but at the possessive statement.

"So, what was that all about using one of my boys in your evil little manipulation?"

"It worked, didn't it?" She gave him an impish smile that reminded him of their daughter.

"You knew it would."

"Yeah," she agreed and laid her head on his shoulder.

Jed startled her by pulling back abruptly. "Well, don't think you have the upper hand quite yet, Dr. Bartlet." He took her hand and began leading her off the dance floor.

"Jed, what are you doing?" Abbey asked urgently. "Where are we going?"

"I want to dance with my wife."

"Isn't that what we were doing?"

"Not here. Not with everyone watching." He continued to pull her along leading her from the lights of the dance floor out into the darkness.

"Jed, are you crazy? We can't just walk away from the party."

"Why not?"

"People are going to think…"

"Let um' think what they want." He started to drag her into Suzanne's garden, then stopped abruptly turning to the agents who were hustling along following them. "Guys, we'd like a little privacy. Could you please stay out here and make sure nobody comes in."

"Yes sir."

"Oh, that was subtle" Abbey's sarcasm was not lost on Jed.

"Yes, it was, wasn't it? I could have told them exactly what I'm going to do to you in this garden."

"Really. You're awfully confident. What makes you think you'll be doing anything with me?"

"Why don't I just show you." As Travis Tritt sang about the one and only you, he swept an arm around her waist and pulled her to him in one swift motion. He'd always loved just how perfectly they fit together. Abbey's head lay easily against his shoulder, her breasts crushed against his chest so he could feel her pebble hard nipples burning into him while his hardening erection nudged at her soft belly just above the juncture of her thighs. They were made for each other. He smiled as he felt the any resistance leave Abbey's body and she melted into him all womanly softness.

They swayed together gently, hidden in the shadows of the fragrant garden, the only reminder that a party was taking place the music that played in the background.

Only you-can make this world seem right
Only you-can make the darkness bright
Only you and you alone
Can thrill me like you do
And fill my heart with love for only you.

Only you-can make this change in me
For it's true-you are my destiny
When you hold my hand I understand
The magic that you do
You're my dream come true-my one and only you

Abbey's head lay against Jed's chest, enjoying the feeling of his steady heartbeat against her cheek and the feel of his strong arms around her waist. She moved her arms up around his neck so her fingers could thread through the silky thickness of his hair. She could feel his lips moving in a silky caress down across her temple and the curve of her cheekbone until he found her earlobe nipping it lightly in a way he knew would get her pulse racing.

Jed gave a soft moan into her hair as Abbey tossed away his bow tie and undid the first few buttons on his shirt so she could place her tongue against the salty tang of his neck and feel his rapid pulse.

That wasn't the only thing that was pulsing. Abbey could feel him slowly grinding his erection against her belly in an imitation of the sex act knowing it was completely unconscious on his part. She moved her hands lower all the way down his spine to grab his rear and pull him more tightly against her, the ache between her thighs almost unbearable. However, that ache was unable to be assuaged by the rock hard penis that was just a little too high to reach the right spot.

Knowing just what his wife was looking for, Jed pulled the slit of her skirt apart and slid his thigh between her legs just as his lips took hers in a deep soul stirring kiss. Abbey began to rock against his thigh, pressing and rubbing and grinding her breath hitching in her throat. Jed deepened his kiss, his hands moving to Abbey's hips to help her in the rhythm she needed. He swallowed the breathless little cries she made and when she came she bit down hard on his lower lip.

"Ow!" he exclaimed pulling his head back.

Abbey stood breathless and shaky, surprised at how easy and fast the orgasm had been. She was still fully clothed. Then, she looked up and saw the drop of blood on Jed's lip. "Oh, God, baby, did I do that?" She reached out a finger to gently swipe the blood away.

"It's nothing" he brushed aside her concern.

"I'm sorry. I guess I lost control there."

"I like making you lose control. But, you know, there is a way you can make it up to me."

Abbey glanced down at his crotch, aware that her release had only heightened his arousal. Her hands immediately moved to his trousers.

"Not yet." He stepped back. "I want to see you naked."

"Jed" Abbey glanced around self consciously into the night.

"Nobody's going to see you but me. I want to see what you've got on under that dress."

Abbey still seemed a bit unsure as to whether she believed the agents would keep the other guests out.

"Abbey, I'm going to make love to you in or out of that gown, so if you don't want me to ruin it you better take it off."

That was all they'd need, Abbey thought, her returning to the party in a stained gown. Without a word she presented her slender back to Jed and with a grin of triumph he began to lower the zipper.

The dress pooled at Abbey's feet and she stepped out of it, picking it up and laying it over one of the many benches in the garden. Jed's throat thickened and he couldn't seem to make himself swallow. Dear god, the woman was wearing a thong. Abbey turned back around to face him, her milky white breasts spilling out of the black bustier that she wore, the scanty thong barely covering the triangle between her thighs, her legs looking about a mile long in the sheer black thigh high stockings and stiletto slingbacks. If this was how tempting Eve had looked in the Garden of Eden, Jed didn't blame poor Adam for caving in to her; the man had never had a chance. There was nothing more alluring or tempting to a man than feminine sexual power.

Abbey watched him try to swallow, saw his Adam's apple bobbing up and down with the effort.

"God, you're beautiful," he groaned, taking a step forward.

"Well, I have a reputation to uphold now that I'm one of the sexiest women in the world. I have to make sure that I look the part."

"Oh, you look the part, baby." He reached out a finger to trace the thin line of soft skin revealed between the edge of the bustier and her panties.

"I thought you wanted me naked."

"I changed my mind. This time I want you just like this. We'll do naked later."

Abbey felt deliciously sinful being half-naked while Jed was still fully clothed. She kept her sultry eyes locked with his desire glazed ones, as she watched him slowly slide the tiny thong down her legs. With the last of her impediments gone, she took a step forward and began unbuttoning his shirt, pressing kisses against his warm chest as she made her way down, nuzzling her cheek against the crinkly hair there. Her fingers stopped when she felt Jed's palms cover her breasts and she arched into him giving a sharp intake of breath when he rolled her nipple between his thumb and finger. Surprised that her need could grow so fast again, she quickly freed Jed from his pants wanting to feel him deeply inside her. Without any more preliminaries Jed lifted her up against one of the non-indigenous trees Suzanne grew in the garden. Abbey cried out as the bark dug into her bare back.

"Wait, Jed, that hurts." She pushed against his chest to stop him from penetrating.

"Sorry," he mumbled against her lips, but instead of looking for another spot he simply turned around and slid down to the soft ground so he could lean against the tree himself. Abbey hovered over him for one agonizing moment, then slowly; exquisitely she slid down on him all the way until he was buried so deep and so full that she could barely breathe. She sat there on his lap fully penetrated while he suckled hard on her nipple, little bursts of pleasure shooting through her. She could feel his belly quivering with the tension of not moving within her. When she knew her body was ready she leaned down and whispered into Jed's ear.

"Now, Jed."

Like a Kentucky Derby racehorse just out of the starting gate Jed leapt forward, all the tension that had been keeping him still within her was released and he began surging his hips up and into her, his finger's digging into her hips to help her meet his demanding thrusts.

Abbey loved the sound of his deeply masculine groans of pleasure. Her own breathless cries and whimpers were muffled against his bare shoulder as he worked within her driving her back up to another peak. Just when she thought she couldn't bear it anymore Jed slid his fingers between her thighs

"Jed!" His name came out as a half moan, half sob as she shattered into a million pieces, squeezing around him like a vice. Jed gave a couple more valiant thrusts into her contracting sheath but the tightness in her body was too much for him. With a deep, guttural groan he exploded deeply within her, his warm semen flooding her.

They sat for several minutes against the tree, still attached, still trying to catch their breath. Smiles curved on both their lips as they heard the music from the party. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw were singing about wanting to make love all night long.

It was Jed who finally broke the silence. "So, I've been meaning to ask you. Just who is your daddy?"

Abbey looked puzzled for a moment then remembered the song she'd danced to with the cowboys. "You are." She kissed his forehead.

"Who's your baby?"

"You are" she breathed, rubbing her cheek against his sandpapery one.

"Who's your buddy?"

"You are" she flicked her fingertips over his nipples feeling his penis jump within her.

"Who's your man?"

"After what we just did I wouldn't think you'd have to ask. You are. Only you." She kissed him gently still tasting the blood on his lip. Then, knowing they had to get back she eased herself off of him, already missing the warmth of his possession.

Abbey searched fruitlessly for something with which to clean herself. Buttoning his shirt, Jed realized what she was looking for and pressed his handkerchief into her palm.

"Ah, so these are good for something," she grinned. Abbey cleansed herself as best she could and Jed helped her back into her gown.

"I can't find my bow tie," he said. "Do you remember where you flung it?"

"No." Abbey was searching around the bench. "But don't feel bad, I can't find my underwear. Do you remember where you flung it?"

"No."

"Why are you grinning like that?"

"I'm just picturing the gardeners face when he finds my bow tie and your thong sometime tomorrow among the Azaleas."

'I'll just have to sneak over here in the daylight and try to find them." Abbey decided.

As they continued to search and dress they heard an angry voice just outside the garden. It was John Hoynes.

"Look this is my house and that's my garden. How can you bar me from going in?"

"The President is in there, sir. He asked for privacy."

"Really?" John's mood changed and he grinned toward the garden. So Mr. Morality had himself a girlfriend, did he? He had to admit it really took balls to go off with a woman when your own wife was at the party. Even he'd never dared go that far. He wondered what Abbey's reaction would be. Would she need a shoulder to cry on? Would she take a lover out of revenge? He figured he ought to stick close by and see where things went with her so he turned to go and find the President's wife.

"It's Abbey."

John jumped at the icy voice. "Oh, Jesus, Suzanne, you scared the shit out of me. What are you talking about?"

"I saw your face light up. You think the President has one of your little bimbo's in there. He doesn't. He has Abbey. I saw them go off together."

"Abbey?"

"Yes, John. Some men actually have the hots for their wives." Suzanne turned on her heel and walked away. The fear that his wife was on to his latest mistress was like a pail of ice water thrown in John's face and the pleasure that he had taken in thinking that the President was no different than he was quickly evaporated. He was going to have to be much more careful. There was no telling what Suzanne would do if she found out that his latest was not a one-night stand but a mistress bought and kept. That was a huge danger in an election year. Politics and sex were a nasty combination and had been the downfall of many great men, he just hoped he could keep from being one of them.

TBC...