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But, I can’t stop myself from finding Jonah, no matter where he is in the huge room.
I love watching him. There’s no crowd around him. No cameras. No PR people making sure he doesn’t miss anyone. But…he doesn’t miss anyone.
He helped a man in a wheelchair get in the front doors and down to the lanes and I was the only one besides the man’s family who noticed. He’s been talking to two of the veterans off to the side, out of sight of anyone with a camera, andhe’sbeen refilling drinks and food rather than waiting for the bowling alley staff to do it.
The truth is, both men are handsome, charming, and good guys. I like being around both of them.
But one has political power. He can more directly make changes and help influence policy that can affect people's lives for the better.
The other has to work indirectly to affect change.
One I don’t know very well and objectively find attractive, but don’t feel a particular spark with.
The other I find I can read easily. And right now, given the opportunity, I would climb into his lap, straddle him, run my hands up under his shirt, and stick my tongue in his mouth.
Jonah gets up and strides toward the lane to take his turn.
Though none of us are taking this particularly seriously—our team is made up of me, Jonah, Christian, and his head of security, a guy named Scott—we’re doing pretty well. Christian and Jonah are both exceptional bowlers, and Scott is decent as well. I suck, but it doesn’t matter with those three on my team.
As soon as Jonah is out of earshot, Christian stretches his arm along the back of the plastic chairs and leans in.
“I’m so glad you wanted to get together tonight.”
I turn, our face only a few inches apart. “I am too. I was very flattered when Torin told me that you wanted to see me again on a more casual basis.”
That’s all true.
“I think this was a great idea. Bowling is fun and casual and a great way to get to know each other.”
“I agree.”
“But I am hoping that maybe you’ll say yes to going for a drink somewhere after this. Somewhere a little quieter, with fewer people, where we can talk for a little bit.”
I study him up closer. He really is very good looking. He’s not Ryan Reynolds only in personality, he’s classically handsome too and I’m sure he could date any woman he wanted to.
“We could probably do that.” I should. This is the whole reason I’m in D.C..
There was no chemistry with James, and I didn’t need to see him on a more one-on-one basis. But maybe Christian and I should spend a little time alone.
If nothing else, James and I had a chance to have a serious conversation about the energy project. Christian and I should further our professional relationship at least.
“Great. As soon as we’re done with the game,” he says.
“Okay.” I agree. I’ve seen what I needed to with the bowling. Christian is a fun, easy-going, personable guy. He does think of others. Sure, it seemed a little bit like a campaign event, but I can’t blame him. He is a current, active politician. And he’s up for reelection in November.
“I’m not dressed for anything fancy.”
Besides the black jeans, I’m wearing a casual pink top. It’s a halter, tied behind my neck and leaving my shoulders and arms bare, but I’m wearing a short pink and black cardigan over the top and black flats when I’m not in bowling shoes.
It’s cute, but it’s not sexy and I know that’s no accident. And it makes me smile that Jonah doesn’t want me in anything sexy around Christian. I could have vetoed this outfit and insisted on one of the others. There was a dress, a skirt, and a pair of shorts, all of which would have been just as cute and casual but would have shown more leg. But I let Jonah’s choice stand. It felt possessive and I can’t help it, I liked that.
Besides, I don’t need to show off for Christian. At least I shouldn’t need to. If he needs to see me in something sexy to be interested, then that’s a mark against him. I wanted to see how he reacts to me dressed down and casual. He’s seen me dressed up for cocktail parties and dinner at the palace. He knows that I can pull off the classy, sophisticated look.
And apparently the maroon dress with the low backissexy. At least according to Jonah.
“Oh, it doesn’t have to be anything fancy,” Christian says. “We’ll find a small bar nearby. Just as long as it’s a little quieter and we can have some one-on-one time.”
I hesitate. I don’t necessarily want one-on-one time with Christian. But I have a feeling Jonah is not going to go for that anyway. I just nod.