CHAPTER 3

~Donna's POV~

We haven't even left the ground and already this is shaping up to be a rather interesting trip. I'm not quite sure what to think after our little fun in the snow and what I swear was an almost kiss, sadly interrupted by Jerry (that was our cab driver's name... I always check their tags. Can never be too careful). I suppose it's for the best. I mean, you never know when a reporter is lurking about or even just passing by on their way to the office. Leo and C.J. would kill us if we were in LA while they were dealing with a photo of the Deputy Chief of Staff making out with his assistant against the cab that was bringing them to the airport for a supposed business trip. Probably not the best way to go about all of this.

Don't get me wrong. I really, REALLY wanted Josh to kiss me in that moment. Hindsight just clarifies that Jerry probably saved our asses. Once we were in the cab, Josh seemed to shut down. He was just looking out the window and brooding. Then, we hit a bump and my leg ended up in contact with his. When he looked at me, I tried to hide the concern that he was regretting the moment we shared in the snow, but I have a feeling I was doing a pretty piss-poor job of it. Then he shocked me yet again. He grabbed my hand and smiled a smile that I swear meant more than, "hey, that was awkward, but don't worry, we're going to pretend it never happened." No, this smile seemed more like a, "well that was unexpected but not at all unwelcome and we'll continue this conversation soon" smile.

This is one of the many things I lo-, I mean adore about Joshua. Just when I think I know exactly what he'll do or how he'll respond, he surprises me and gives me hope for a future that maybe involves something more than just a boss/assistant/friend relationship.

So, back to the trip. As soon as we arrived at the airport, we fell back in to our comfortable old routine. In other words, I lead and Josh followed. We miraculously got through check in, bag check, and security fairly quickly and without incident. Josh only complained about having to take off his shoes once! We made it to our gate just as they started boarding our flight. As we stood in line to board, Josh, being, you know, Josh, started to get antsy and impatient. Shocker. He started fidgeting back and forth from foot to foot, slapping his boarding pass against his empty hand, and biting his bottom lip. I, of course, found this to be annoying (well, the biting his lip thing is kinda hot... yeah, I'm hopeless). Finally, my patience ran thin and I grabbed Joshua Lyman by the ear.

"Joshua, you need to chill out!"

"Did you just tell me to 'chill out' Donna?"

"Yes, now do it!"

"Will you let go of my ear?" I realize I'm still holding my boss by the ear in the middle of National and quickly look around to ensure no one saw us before I let go.

"Jeez Donna, haven't I endured enough bodily injury today?" he whines while rubbing his ear.

He looks so much like a little boy; I roll my eyes and cave. "Okay, but you need to calm down for real Josh. This isn't Air Force One. You acting all fidgety makes people anxious and it just pisses me off."

"But I hate lines Donna."

"Tough!"

Finally, the line moves again and we are allowed to board before Josh can whine any further and I am forced to kick his already bruised ass. We find our seats in business class and stow our carry-ons. Josh then offers me the window seat in some half ass attempt to apologize for making a scene in line, but I remind him that his sensitive system will make him motion sick if he sits in the middle. A look of relief washes over him and he quickly slides in to our row. Hey, I give him credit for the offer. I sit down beside Josh in the dreaded middle seat and put on my seatbelt.

Josh's cell rings as the plane continues to board. From my side of the conversation, I gather it's Leo calling to ensure we are in route and that Josh has a game plan for ass kissing. The conversation ends just as Chris Farley's body double wedges in to the seat beside me. Don't get me wrong, I love me some Chris Farley. He was undoubtedly hilarious. But would you want Tommy Boy sitting beside you on the plane, all jerky movements packaged in a rather large physique? I look over at Josh who is shutting down his phone and putting it away. He notices my gaze and reads my expression, knowing something is wrong. I slightly jerk my head in the general direction of Matt Foley, motivational speaker. He nods his head in understanding and lifts the armrest between our seats, gesturing for me to slide over closer to him a bit. I eye him suspiciously, take a look around to see if I see any familiar faces on our flight, and finally scoot over a bit closer to Josh. And farther from Mr. Farley's elbow which was about to make contact with my side for the 4th time in just as many minutes. Josh smiles down at me and eases back in his seat, getting comfortable.

We finally take off and about 30 minutes in to our flight, I feel the lack of sleep and bustle of the morning catching up to me and begin to nod off. About the 10th time my head bobs, Josh looks up from his files.

"Donna, you should get some rest. We're going to be busy once we land. Why don't you take a nap?"

"I can't get comfortable. If I lean my head back, I'll end up falling asleep with my mouth open and I'll get a sore throat."

Still looking down at his file, he replies, "Aaanndd, there's the snoring."

"Joshua! I do NOT snore."

"Ah-kay."

"Ugh, just go back to your file."

Josh then closes said file and places it in the seatback pocket. He adjusts himself slightly in his seat and squares his shoulders. He grabs my upper arm gently and pulls my body so that I am lying with my head on his shoulder.

"There... is that better?" he asks. I take a moment to adjust myself more against him and snuggle further in to his shoulder, inhaling that lovely "Josh" scent. They really should bottle it. Best seller for sure. I mumble my appreciation and quickly begin to nod off. Just before I drift completely to sleep, I swear I feel Josh's fingers tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear but I'm too exhausted to reopen my eyes and confirm my suspicions. I let myself plunge in to a deep sleep against the comfort of Josh's strong shoulder. Life is good.