I don't recognize the number calling my cell phone, but I pick up anyway. I'm pleasantly surprised to hear Josh on the other end of the line.
"Josh Lyman." He uses his last name to clarify as though I would have been confused as to who he is.
"How are you?" I ask because he sounds a little flustered, to be honest.
"I'm... fine." He pauses as though he had to think about the answer.
"Well that's good to hear," I tell him with a bit of amusement. The man is unlike anyone else I've ever met, that's for sure.
"So listen," he begins, picking up the pace of the call as though we have an agenda. "That bill you looked over for me a few months ago? I need to talk to you about it. Can you meet me at the bar at The Four Seasons around 9?"
"Oh." I mask my disappointment at the notion that he simply needs my help with a project. "Sure. I'll see you there."
"I'll be sitting near the piano," he states.
"Josh, I saw you yesterday. I think I'll be able to identify you."
"Right. 9?"
"I'll see you then." I end the call and continue to walk home, grateful that I have a little bit of time to find something to wear.
It occurs to me later, as I'm checking my hair in the mirror of the ladies room, that I want this to be a date, not a casual drink with a friend. And maybe that's what Josh really wants, too. From what I know about him, he's a little hard to read. But from the time I've spent with him I really think there's more to the story, and I'd like to get to know him.
I spot him in a corner booth and make my way across the bar. He stands as soon as he sees me gently placing his hand on my arm to greet me as he motions towards the empty chair and discreetly signals a waiter.
We chat casually while we sip our drinks and he seems to begin to loosen up a bit. The tension that seemed to be radiating from him earlier is certainly disappearing and I even caught the hint of a smile.
It's nearing midnight the next time I check the time, and I'm shocked to say the least. I must look exhausted because Josh pays the bill and offers to walk me home. I explain that I most certainly do not live within walking distance, and explain that I'll take a cab.
Josh's face immediately contorts in a strange way, as though he's incredibly uncomfortable with the notion of not getting me home safely. It's fairly evident that this isn't a ploy to go to my place and get me into bed.
"I'll split the cab with you. The driver can drop you off and then take me home."
"You're going to ride an extra half hour in a cab to make sure I get home safely?" I'm staring at him like he's grown a second head. .
"Yes?" He's already hailing a cab and opening the door so I slide in, deciding this is sweet and not… insane.
I give the driver my address and ride in a comfortable silence next to Josh. Though it's not typical for me to be so forward, I decide to put myself out there with Josh.
As the driver turns onto my block, I lean over and whispered huskily in Josh's ear. "Why don't you come up with me?"
He freezes for a moment, almost as if he's taken aback, but then looks at me with smoldering eyes.
He pays the driver as soon as we come to a stop and we're out of the cab and up the stairs in no time. Josh can't seem to keep his hands off of me and I'm the same way with him. I fumble around for my keys and somehow manage to unlock the door and pull him inside.
We don't make it any farther than the doorway before he kisses me frantically and I begin to tug at his belt buckle. We stumble into my bedroom but we never lose our momentum.
An hour later I lay tangled next to him in the sheets, a very satisfied smile on my face. It's not my first of the evening.
His breathing is beginning to regulate a bit and he wraps an arm around me, pulling me close. I rest my head on his chest and can feel his heart thumping soundly. I close my eyes and just relax. I'm not sure why I feel so comfortable around a man that I, in all reality, hardly know. But I do. I feel secure and I find myself dozing in and out for a few minutes.
Eventually Josh gets up and after a quick trip to the bathroom, I can hear him in my kitchen. He brings me a glass of water, that he's clearly had some of as well, and sits on the side of the bed.
"I better head out," he states.
"Josh, it's 2:00 in the morning."
"I should probably call a cab." He looks out the window.
"You could stay." My voice shakes more than I'd like it to.
He turns to look at me, and opens his mouth, trying to put his thoughts together.
"Come on." I pull the covers back on the spot next to me before he can say anything and he crawls back into bed without hesitation.
It's only a few minutes before he's softly snoring and I doze off quickly after that.
The beeping of my alarm wakes me a few hours later and I pry my exhausted eyes open, turning off the source of the noise.
"Not yet," Josh grumbles, pulling me back towards him and dozing off again.
"Stay there," I tell him. "I'm going to get ready. I'll drop you off at your place on my way in."
I take a quick shower and rub a towel on my wet hair before wrapping myself in a robe and sneaking quietly back into my room. I change into scrubs and put on a pot of coffee while I throw a few things into my lunchbox.
Josh shuffles out in his boxers, his wild hair sticking up in a million directions. He's unbelievably handsome.
"What time is it?" He rubs his eyes.
"6:45." I answer plainly.
"You go to work early," he yawns.
"You stay at work late," I counter.
"Not always," he kind of whines, but the look on his face says he can't even convince himself.
"Well I don't always go in early. In fact, this is unusual." I smile at him. "But if you grab your things I'll drive you home on my way in."
"Kay." He quickly dresses while I gather my things.
He offers to carry my bag and holds my insulated mug of coffee as I lock up. When we approach my car on the street I pop the trunk and he loads my bag and takes a sip of my coffee as he climbs into the passenger seat. I don't say anything but I find it somehow reassuring that he's comfortable around me.
He gives me directions to his place but I remind him that I know where he lives. I did, afterall, drop his mother off from the airport. There aren't any spot in front of his place but I pull over enough that the other cars can pass me while he gets out.
He leans over to my side and gives me a kiss before opening his door. It throws me off a bit and I stare at him for a few seconds with a grin on my face.
"You don't have to look so surprised when I kiss you goodbye," he tells me. "I enjoy it."
"Josh?" I call as he steps out of the car. "You don't have to pretend you need something work related when you want to call me. I enjoy it."
He gives me a little smirk.
"Have a good day, Donna. I'll call you"