January
Josh's POV
Inauguration is coming up, as are the balls. I can't wait to dance the night away with Donna in my arms. She's been through so much in the last few months that she deserves this night. She did a lot of work to get us re-elected that she really does deserve it.
After the trial of Eric Black, Donna retreated into herself. She was so quiet, timid and not like herself at all. The man was sent down for fourteen years, but she didn't celebrate. Instead she buried herself into her work. Work that she didn't need to be doing but she did. I was caught up with so much that we didn't need to go in on a Sunday for a couple of weekends. It's something she has never talked about to anyone. I know in my heart that one day she will, but it's all up to her. We made it through Christmas, managing to spend the day together, with no one suspecting anything. Okay so we didn't tell them we were spending it together, but we got away with it.
The day itself was perfect. Waking in her arms is always amazing, but for some reason Christmas day made it even more special. Christmas is Donna's favourite holiday and when she awoke her eyes lit up like stars. She was like a little girl waking to see if Santa had come. She smiled at me kissing me with such passion I almost forgot about the presents under the tree. She had always celebrated Hanukkah with me but I had never really celebrated Christmas with her. I mean I always gave her a gift but to actually celebrate the holiday with her was amazing.
We made our way to the living room where Donna had erected a small tree. Present were piled underneath. We opened ones from our friends first, receiving joke presents of (ME) socks (CJ), boxers with reindeer (Sam), book of trivia (The President) and many chocolates. Leo and Toby hadn't given me gifts. They had each given me something for Hanukkah. Donna received a Victoria Secrets gift card (CJ), smelly stuff for the bath (Sam), gloves, hat and scarf (Toby), Book of world history (The President) and a Yo Yo Ma CD (Leo). Our presents lay till last. I was actually nervous about her opening mine but she tore the paper off to quickly for me to be bothered. Her eyes lit up as she opened the small box revealing the necklace I had picked for her. She threw herself into my arms and kissed me again. The she opened the book. It's become our tradition. She read the inscription and almost burst into tears.
Opening my gift I couldn't help but wonder how she could afford anything expensive. She always talks about being a girl on a budget. But opening the new watch encased in blue velvet I couldn't help but smile. She obviously had been thinking about it for months. And I loved it. Anything from her would have been great. But the best thing was spending the day with her. No interruptions, nothing.
Heading back to work, I almost had a spring in my step but I stopped before anyone noticed. Keeping this relationship a secret is hard. I want to shout from the rooftops that I am in love with the most beautiful woman in the world. But still we stay quiet.
Now a week before inauguration CJ has cornered me. "Josh I have the perfect date for you. I know this woman and I told her that I would set her up with one of my colleagues. She's just perfect for you."
I almost told her I had someone perfect for me. Someone who wasn't standing two feet from me, hearing everything CJ was telling me. I glanced over my shoulder and she gave me a nod. I graciously accepted CJ's blind date before asking Donna to join me in my office.
Donna's POV
I just stood there and watched as CJ accosted my boyfriend and told him she had the perfect date for him. I know inauguration is coming up but I was hoping we could get away with going together. I knew it would be unlikely but still I hoped. When CJ had asked him about her friend he glanced to me for my reaction. I smiled gracefully and nodded my head. He couldn't turn down the offer without giving a reason.
So now we are standing in his office and I know what he is going to say to me so I start before he can. "Josh don't worry about it. It was me that wanted to keep us a secret so I can't expect you to turn down dates that others set up for you without telling them something. So please don't worry about it." There I got to say it.
"Donna, you know I'd much rather go with you?" He says so sweetly.
"I know you would, please just save me a dance?" I ask him, knowing his answer.
"Of course I will."
Inauguration night. (Still Donna's POV)
The day went so well. The steps of the Capitol were full. People had come from far and wide to watch President Bartlett be sworn in for his second term as president. Staff were on a high that we hadn't expected. Everyone was buzzing when we left to get ready for the ball. The night was due to be great. Even though the President would have to attend all the balls, we knew he would start and finish the night with us. I couldn't wait for the night. As much as we party with different things happening throughout the year, Inauguration is always amazing. The atmosphere at the last one was electric.
Arriving at the hall I looked around, seeing many of my fellow staffers as well as many celebrities, all of whom were Bartlett supporters. Everyone looked amazing, but the one man I wanted to see, I couldn't. I hoped his tie was straight. He never could tie his own bow tie. It was always left for me to do but tonight he would have to do it on his own. I wanted to watch his eyes pop out his head when he saw me in my dress. Not that I want to blow my own trumpet but I look good tonight. The dress was one that as soon as I saw it I knew it was the dress for me.
I've had such a bad few months I needed something to cheer me up and this was the dress to do it. Well that and Josh being there for me throughout it all. I turn as I see him walk through the door with CJ, her friend Lauren and CJ's date Simon. He looked good, so did she. She was small, brown haired and had a lovely smile. She and Josh seemed to be laughing at something. At least he looked to be happy but I knew in my heart he was just putting on a show for her. His eyes began to search the room until they fell on me. I gave him a smile as I watched his eyes almost fall from their sockets.
Josh's POV
OH MY GOD! She looks amazing. I have just entered the ballroom with CJ, Lauren and Simon laughing at something that was said on the way in. Lauren is great but she isn't Donna. I scanned the room till my eyes fell on the goddess standing near the bar. She seemed to be surrounded by a halo. Her hair shone like gold, and her skin glowed against the dark red of her dress. I truly want to walk across and take her in my arms right now. But that would not be professional. I just hope that I can ditch Lauren before the end of the night and take Donna home with me.
All I can think to myself is that she is mine. And no one else's.
AN – Well another chapter. I am trying to get them up as quickly as I can but it hasn't been that simple over the last few weeks. I want to thank Kursk and Mary-Kate for your constant support through your reviews. I look forward to what you think. This story is going to have many chapters and I hope you still enjoy as it gets further down the line in Josh and Donna's relationship. Thanks again. – Lu x.