"It's a nice place you've got Sam." Ainsley said, surveying his apartment. She had agreed to getting dinner and they decided to just get take-out at Sam's apartment.
"Thanks." Sam entered the living room with two plates and handed one to Ainsley. She smiled and sat down on his couch.
"How long have you lived here?"
"Um... about two years now. When we were working on the campaign I lived on the plane or in a hotel room."
Ainsley laughed quietly and began loading Chinese food onto her plate.
"What about you? How long have you been in DC?"
"About three years. I graduated from Harvard and went back to Raleigh to work for my uncle's law firm. Then I came up here to work with a friend."
---------------------TWW----------------
"It's not the point Sam!" Ainsley exclaimed exasperatedly. They were standing in the kitchen, washing dishes and arguing over the education bill again. "The bill only pertains to the teachers. What about the kids?"
"We care about the kids. When the teachers get the things they need, then they relay that to the kids, which leads to the kids getting what they need." he said, leaning over Ainsley to the cabinet. She let out a soft sigh as Sam brushed up against her and he glanced at her. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay." Ainsley pulled her hair up into a tight ponytail and they moved away from each other.
"I haven't really seen you a lot. I mean, we work in two separate areas of the building."
"Yeah. I just... been busy."
"Do you like it?"
"Like what?"
"Working in the White House."
"Yeah. It's great. I love it." Ainsley said.
"Ainse..."
She looked at him and he looked back at her.
"What?"
"What what?" Sam asked.
"What did you call me?"
"Ainse. Why?"
"No one calls me that."
"Maybe it'll be just a special thing for me." Sam said, a grin on his face. "It's just easier than saying Ainsley."
"Yeah I guess." she mumbled.
"I won't call you it."
"No. It's okay."
"You're really... quiet."
"I'm just thinking."
"Oh." Sam stared at his sink and then at Ainsley.
"What?" she asked. Sam bit his tongue, hoping he'd keep his mouth shut. Ever since Capital Beat, all he had thought about was her. He tried and tried and tried to deny the way he felt about her but he couldn't. There was just something about her. She was beautiful and intelligent, something Sam seemed to find hard to find in a woman, not to mention she was funny and caring.
"You're pretty." he said dumbly. Ainsley's eyes widened slightly as Sam turned red and turned back to the dishes.
"I've been thinking about that afternoon in my office when you said you'd want to get together again."
"I meant it." Sam said quickly. "Even though we argue, I like your company. I... I like you. Ever since we debated on Capital Beat, you're... you're all I've been able to think about."
"I know how you feel." she mumbled, looking down at her feet. Ainsley felt Sam's hand on her chin as he tilted it upwards.
"Really?"
"Really."
"I..." Sam couldn't find anything to say so he dipped his head and kissed Ainsley softly. Her eyes closed as she slid her arms around Sam's neck, pulling them closer together.
"I... I... wow." Ainsley stammered. Sam licked his lips as he breathed heavily. They eyed each other for a minute and Ainsley grabbed Sam, pulling him back to her. Their lips met for a second kiss, which lasted for a while longer.
"That was..." Sam couldn't think of a word to describe what had just happened.
"I'm sure people would be amazed to see how inarticulate you are at these times."
"Mhmm. Ainsley..."
"What just happened?" she asked quietly.
"We kissed a couple of times."
"I realized that. I... Sam, I don't want this to be a one time thing. If we are a thing."
"I'm hoping we are a thing and if we are a thing it's not a one time thing." he murmured. "I want us to last a long time. I think we can."
"Me too."
Sam leaned down and pressed his lips against Ainsley's. She sighed against his mouth as she wrapped her arms around him. Yeah, she could definitely get used to this.
------------------TWW---------------
Ainsley woke up the next morning and blinked a couple of times. She was not in her bedroom. Then she remembered last night and grinned in spite of herself. Ainsley looked over to her side and frowned. Where was he?
"Morning."
Ainsley looked towards the door where Sam was standing in his boxers, scratching the back of his head.
"Morning."
"I'm glad I went shopping last night."
Ainsley laughed and nodded.
"Me too."
"Well I mean I'm glad I ran into you." Sam grinned, sitting next to Ainsley. "But I'm glad I bought food because that means we can eat breakfast."
"Ah."
They sat in silence for a minute, just watching each other and Sam finally opened his mouth.
"I don't regret last night if that's what you're thinking." he said.
"I don't regret it either."
"Good. We're... we're not going to be awkward are we?"
"We're not a one time thing are we?" Ainsley countered. Sam pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead.
"What did I tell you last night?"
"We could last a long time."
"And we are."