Part 9

"Donna, you look wonderful!" CJ exclaimed.  The other assistants and I were in the ladies room getting all dolled up for the dinner. I'm as nervous as ever.

"Thank you CJ. You look amazing! You're going to have lots of heads turning your way today, I betcha." I said. CJ did look stunning as always. She wore a blood red dress which had thin straps holding it. It was clinging to her body and it had many layers below the waist reaching the ground.

"We better get going. I'm sure Josh will need you to tie his bow tie as usual. Get him from the office and I'll see you there." CJ said and then left.

I looked at myself one last time on the mirror. I'm wearing a lavender strapless dress which looks like a corset from the top until my hips. Then, the dress flows down till the ground in a flared way as it had layers inside. The back has cris-cross straps until the waist. I had small diamond droplets for earrings, a diamond bracelet and a simple diamond necklace which was almost like a chocker. Of course, they are not real diamond.  I had half of my hair put of with spikes of hair coming out in all directions. The rest of my hair was just flowing down over my shoulder.

I'm walking down the bullpen feeling nervous about seeing Josh. This whole day had been so nerve-racking and it's just going to get worse. I see Josh pacing in his office and as expected he has his bowtie hanging around his neck. I entered the office without warning which caused Josh to startle. God, I wish I had a camera right now. CJ was right. Josh's eyes are popping out. I think he's drooling at the moment. It's nice to know I have this kind of effect on Joshua Lyman, political bulldog!

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Oh dear god!! It should be illegal for a woman to be so beautiful…Beautiful is not a good enough word to describe how my Donnatella looks right now. She looks magnificent, alluring, gorgeous, stunning, amazing!

"Josh?" Donna called out. I probably should say something instead of just staring at her.

"Yeah, wow. You look…you look…nice." Damn, where the hell did all those adjectives go?

"Thank you Josh, I was expecting something better than 'nice' but that's okay. I could live with just 'nice'." Donna said as she reached for my bowtie and started tying it around my neck. My god, she smells like a meadow!

"No, Donna. You're beautiful! You look…." I started when Donna interrupted me.

"It's okay Josh. I was just kidding." Donna said as she was finishing with my tie.

I needed a few minutes to get myself back together after Donna practically stunned me senseless. I took Donna's arm and we left for the dinner.

When we reached the hall everyone greeted us. We danced, we drank and had a blast as a couple. It felt so good having Donna there as my girlfriend and not just as my assistant. Donna and I were very cozy together. I kept kissing her cheek and holding her arm most of the time at CJ's request. Not that I had a hard time doing that.

"Hey, guys. Looks like you are having a blast being all cozy and cuddly." Sam said as he walked up to me and Donna.

"I am not cuddly Sam." I said in an attempt to preserve my manliness.

"Right, whatever. Donna, would you care to have a dance with me. I'm sure you must be fed up of Josh hounding around you the whole night." Sam asked as he held out his hand to Donna. I gave him a daring glance but he didn't look my way. I didn't mind actually. I just wanted to give him a hard time. Donna gracefully took his hand and they proceeded to the dance floor.

The night went as well as can be expected. All that matters now is what happens in the press room in tomorrow's briefing.  I took Donna home and walked her to her door. How I longed to go in with her but the smartest thing to do now is to go slow. Mainly because we need to project an image of being a newly dating couple. Now that they saw us in the State Dinner, there might be tabloid photographers anyway waiting for any form of scandalous pictures. Damn it, we are not going to give them any.

I cannot wait for all this to be over, so I don't have to leave Donna at her door. I know I should be patient as we've barely been on a real date. But it's me and Donna. We are pretty much like a married couple already. Without the sex of course. But Donna deserves more than that. I know she confessed her love for me, but she deserves some wooing as well. That's what I'll do while everything is settling down. I'll woo my Donna for being the world's most beautiful, kind and amazing woman. She more than deserves it. And in the process of wooing, I will probably be declared the world's most thoughtful and wonderful boyfriend. I can't wait.

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I had the most wondrous time tonight. I honestly felt like Cinderella at the ball. Yeah I know that sounds corny. Everyone more than complimented me on my appearance. I had a few men make passes at me but before I could even reject them, Josh would somehow show up at my side shooting them death glances. It was great being Josh's girlfriend and not just an assistant.

I got up the next morning feeling just as out of this world as I did last night. After breakfast though, reality hit me. The press briefing will be today. Dear God, have mercy on us. I know CJ will handle it amazingly well as always. That's one thing that could put my mind slightly as ease.

I'm at the office with tons of work as usual which is great as it's keeping my mind preoccupied.

"Donna…The press briefing." I turned to see Josh sticking his head out of his office. We went into CJ's office and Sam joined us to watch the televised briefing.

I could feel Josh looking at me but I couldn't look back. It'll only make me feel more nervous. The briefing started with CJ's statements as usual.

The question was asked by Kathy about my relationship with Josh. CJ stated that we have been dating for a week and that the White House doesn't comment on the personal relationship of the staffers. Danny asked if it would affect our working relationship and if I would remain Josh's assistant. CJ simply stated that Josh would be useless without me and we were two very professional staffers. She also stated that everyone in the White House including the President is incredibly happy about us. And that was it.

The next day I came in the office and found all the newspapers I could get hold of. I went straight into Josh's office to get some privacy while reading the papers.

"Hey gorgeous. Watcha looking at?" I look up to see Josh already in his chair with newspapers spread all over his desk. Wow, this is like the only time Josh has been in the office before I had. Except when he spends the night sleeping at his desk.

I walked quickly next to him to look at the spread newspapers not bothering to read the ones I had in my hand. I read the headlines Josh had circled with a red marker.

'Cinderella Meets Her Prince'. 'Deputy COS Finds His Bell'. 'Love Found in the White House'. Those seem like good titles. But god knows what's written on the articles. I quickly read through all the articles and I cannot believe my eyes. They were all so amazing. They all mentioned Josh being shot and it's wonderful that he finally found love, and that I was by his side when he was in the hospital, and that we finally got a clue that we were meant for each other. I kept shushing Josh every time he tried to talk  

"Hallelujah! There is a God!" CJ came into Josh's office with her hands in the air.

"They were all great articles. Thank god you got shot Josh! There were a few tabloids saying your relationship started long ago and some aired it like an affair but none of the major newspapers did that. So I believe you are safe as long as you follow some rules." CJ said.

"Rules, CJ?" Josh said raising his eyebrows.

"Yes. You have to take it slow. We know you guys are pretty much like a married couple but you need to take it like you are just beginning to date. No affectionate display in The White House out of the ordinary. Just date like normal people for now, okay? You guys owe me big. Just do this and I'll call it even." CJ said practically pleading.

We agreed with her rules. We owed her that much. I honestly was happy that CJ is making us take it slow because I honestly wouldn't want it otherwise. We still have a lot to talk about and also get to know each other in a slightly different way.

The next few weeks were great. The news about our relationship died down. Josh and I managed to spend time together between our ever busy schedules. It's great that we actually work together or we will not be spending any time together. If we go out after work or late at night on weekends, Josh kisses me at my door or only comes in for a few minutes. It was hard especially for Josh. He had expressed his frustration at times, but I was actually kind of happy just dating and being wooed. We continued doing this a few more weeks to come.

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Donna and I have been dating for a month and two weeks and I'm done waiting. Today I'm going to ask CJ if Donna and I could…well….sleep together. I'm longing to hold her and to make love to her. Every night I kiss her goodnight I feel like I'm being ripped apart as I can't just spend more time with her.

"CJ, I need to have a chat with you." I announced as I barged into her room.

"Idiot boy. Don't you know how to knock?" CJ said with a rather loud voice.

"Well, you can blame that on my sexual frustration." I blurted out.

"Oh, that's what this is about? Are you blaming me for your lack of sexual activities." CJ asked sarcastically and seemingly to enjoy this.

"CJ. It's been 7 weeks for crying out loud! I love Donna! Everyone knows that I love Donna. I've been in love with her for more than 3 years! This is 3 years worth of sexual frustration building up!! I could explode any second!" I exclaimed.

"Well, we 'definitely' wouldn't want that happening, would be. You know, this is actually quite funny. I was going to allow you two to do the nasty 2 weeks ago. But since you didn't mention anything, I figured you two could hold it for a while longer. Well, it was fun for me to watch. So it was worth it." CJ said with a wide smile.

I just could smack HER on the head right now. But I know better than that. I'll take the high road and keep my mouth shut.

"I'm not going to respond to that Claudia Jean. You know why? I'm not going to waste anymore time. I'm going to finish work as soon as I can. And as incredible as I am, I'm going to plan an amazing night for Donna and sweep her off her feet. So, GOODBYE CJ." I stormed out of her office. I swear I could hear her chuckling.

I finally figured out a plan for tonight. And it's amazing if I should say so myself. I'm planning to take Donna ice-skating. I know that sounds so not Josh-like but Donna had been bugging me to go ice-skating some time ago and I just refused. I also got Sam to light up some candles in my place and set up the dinner table. I ordered some Italian food that will be delivered to my place. Sam will set that up too.

I let Donna go home a little earlier than me and then I picked her up later on.

"Jooooosh!!! Where I we going?? You know I hate surprises." Donna whines. She looks so cute whining like that. I could just lick her up right now. God this is hard.

"You love surprises!" I contradicted.

"Fine!" Donna said with a pout. I continued driving while enjoying annoying Donna.

"Where are we? This place looks kinda familiar. Oh yeah, I came around here with Kimmy once to go ice-ska…..NO!! No way. Are you taking me ice-skating?" Donna squealed.

"Well you are just going to have to wait and see, won't you?" I said as I parked in the parking lot next to the ring.

"We are!!! We are going ice-skating!! Josh, you hate ice-skating. You always refuse to go!" Donna continued squealing.

We got off the car and I said, "Well, Donna. I thought I'll give it a try….for you."

Donna walked around the car towards me and practically lunged onto me with her arms wide open. I almost fell back and started laughing away.

"Okay, Donna. You can let go now before you choke the life out of me." I joked.

"Okay, lets go skate." Donna said as she let go of me. She looked like a little girl in Disneyland I tell you. Wow, I wonder how Donna would actually be in Disneyland. I would love to find out. She's something, my Donnatella. She really can find joy from the little things. That's what I love about her. God, how did I get so lucky.

"Josh, come on." Donna called out as she went skating away. I could barely move in the ring. I could barely stand up straight. Donna sighed and took my hand.

"Donna…Donna be careful. Hey! Slow down." I yelled at her as she pulled me across the ring. God, how does anyone do this? It's like walking through a slippery floor. Like filled with banana skins or something.

"You're such a baby Josh. This is easy if you'd just loosen up." Donna said as she slowly let go of me.

Aaaaa…..Aaaa…There I go. "Donna don't let go of meeeeee!" Whoosh…Tump….I'm on the ground. My butt is frozen and I hear Donna laughing uncontrollably.

"Stop laughing. I'm hurt and frozen here! Help me up will ya!" I said as I brought my hand up. She kept laughing like someone was tickling her. Oh, she's so going to pay for this. Donna put her hand in mine to pull me up but I ended up pulling her down with me. Haha. It's payback time.

"Josh! Why did you do that for? I'm all…" I stopped Donna from talking by placing my lips on hers.

I kissed her with all my heart. The kiss was so passionate and seemed to have a mind of its own. God, I could kiss Donna for the rest of my life. I cannot believe how satisfying kissing Donna is. It's a million times better than the best sex I've ever had. Slowly, I felt Donna pull away. I tried to lean towards her to continue but she slightly pushed my chest.

"Josh, I'm kinda freezing here." We laughed and somehow managed to get off the floor. I decided to stay in the corner while Donna went for a spin. I watched her skate. And I have not seen a more beautiful vision. She skates like a swan. She's so graceful.

Donna came to me and held my hand as she led me into the ring again. This time we were really slow and practically clinging to each other. Well, I was clinging to Donna anyway, hoping not to fall again.

We left the ring about twenty minutes later. I gave a miscall to Sam so he can light the candles and leave. Donna had assumed that we were just ordering pizza when we get to my place.

I let Donna go into the apartment before me.

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I had the most amazing time. I knew there was a reason I loved Josh. I cannot believe he left work early to go ice-skating with me. I had a blast. Most of all I loved watching Josh fall!

We decided to order pizza when we get to Josh's place. Josh said he'll give me a ride home after dinner as I don't have my car with me.

We just reached Josh's apartment and I walked in. Oh…my….god…There are candles everywhere. And the dinner table is all set up with a wine bottle in a bucket of ice and two candles on the middle of the table. I heard soft jazz music playing in the background.

"Oh….Oh wow…Josh!" I said as I turned to look at him. He was leaning on the door frame with his hands in his pocket smiling softly at me.

"How? When?" I said watching his smile grow wider until his dimples appeared.

"Well, I just worked some of my magic." He said as he walked towards me. He leaned towards me and kissed me lightly on my lips. I didn't really respond to his kiss as I was still shocked.

"Why..why are you doing all this? First ice-skating, now this…Are we celebrating something?" I asked while walking to see what food was set on the table.

"Well, it is our one month and two weeks anniversary." Josh said as he followed me. I laughed.

"Josh, gourmet Italian food and champagne? You really outdid yourself. Are you sure you didn't have any help?" I said knowing that someone had to help him to light the candles and set up the food which was still warm.

"Well, I may have gotten a little help from Sam. But I planned it all myself. All my ideas." Josh said sounding pretty proud of his independent planning. He should be proud.

We had the most amazing dinner. It seemed better than any five star restaurant. The food was delicious and so was the champagne. I helped Josh clean up even though he practically forced me not to.

I then went to sit on the couch while Josh dried the dishes. I heard the music getting louder.

"Donnatella Moss, may I have this dance with you?" Josh asked me as he gave me his hand. I grinned widely and took his hand.

We danced really slowly to Diana Krall's version of 'They Can't Take That Away From Me'. I clung to him with both my arms around his neck. When the song almost ended, Josh brought his hands to my face and started kissing me. The kisses became more and more intense. God, is it hot in here? Josh is slightly pushing me and we are headed towards his bedroom I believe. Suddenly Josh stops kissing me. I open my eyes and see flower petals on the bed and some candles lit as well. Wow…okay...now I get what the whole incredible date was about. We can't do this. I know how long we have been dating but we promised to follow the rules.

"Josh. CJ…The rules.." I said shaking my head. Josh shook his head and walked towards me.

He placed his finger on my lips and said, "I talked to her today. It's okay. She said we could. In fact we COULD two weeks ago but she was enjoying watching us suffer." Josh said.

I smiled at him. I can't believe I'm going to make love to Josh. Finally. I'm ready and this has been such an amazing day. And the only thing that could make it complete is to make love to him.

I leaned towards him and whispered, "You are amazing. I love more every day. When I think I can't love you any more, you prove me wrong. I'm so lucky to have you."

"No. I'm the lucky one. I don't know what I did to deserve you. I've never loved anyone as much as I love you. I don't think I even actually truly loved any woman before. Heck, I don't think I even knew what love is until I met you, Donnatella. You….you are my heart, my soul, my everything." Josh said causing me to giggle at the end.

"That's a Barry White song sweetie." I said. Josh laughed a little and we continued to kiss slowly. Josh started to kiss my check and then filled my face with slow soft kisses.

I took of his shirt off his back and he started unbuttoning my blouse. I unbuckled his belt and he pushed his pants down revealing his boxer shorts. We then fell back on his bed with him on top of me. Josh stared kissing my neck. God that feels soooo good. Wow, the sensation I felt was indescribable.

I slowly closed my eyes and moaned…………………………Oh god….No…No…He's hurting me. God, it hurts so much. I can't get of him off me. I can't move. He's raping me. No!! God, please help me.

"No. Stop it. No. Stop… Get off me." I tried to say but I think it sounded too faint like I have no energy left.

I have to push him off. I have to use all the strength I have. The pain is unbearable.

"Aaaargh." I groaned as I managed to push him off me. I got off the bed as quickly as I could.

"Owww!!! What the….Donna!!!! What did you do that for?!"

I turned to see Josh on the floor rubbing his head. Oh my god. It's Josh. Oh god. It was just images of the rape that I saw. This could not get any worse!

"Sorry…sorry…I can't do this….I can't do this…..I'm soo sooo sorry." I said trembling uncontrollably as I button up my blouse.

"Donna? I thought you wanted this! What the hell are you talking about? Where are you going?" Josh said as I stormed out of his room.

Where the hell are my shoes? I saw Josh struggling into his pants as I grabbed my handbag. Ah, my shoes. I grabbed them and ran out of his apartment.

"Donna!!! Donna wait!!!" I heard Josh yelling and heading towards the elevator where I was waiting. I can't talk to him now. I'm taking the stairs. I ran towards the fire escape and started running down the staircase.

TO BE CONTINUED……….