One Step at a Time

by: Ginny

Pairing(s): Josh/Donna
Rating: TEEN
Disclaimer: The usual, not mine etc.
Summary: Josh and Donna take tentative steps towards a relationship. Sequel to "Jumping to Conclusions".
Feedback:Feedback is appreciated.

Part 5

They curled up together on the bed. He lay facing the wall, she curled up behind him and held him tight. Neither one had any trouble falling asleep. She heard him coughing a few times during the night but he never really woke up. For the first time in months Joshua Lyman got a good night's sleep.

The sun through the windows woke Donna at 7:00. She couldn't remember the last time she had sleep almost 9 hours virtually uninterrupted. It felt heavenly although she was sure some of that feeling had to do with the man curled up with his head on her shoulder. She gently rolled Josh off her shoulder and onto his pillow. He was still sound asleep. She studied him in the morning light for a minute. He was still pale and warm but his face showed no signs of the pain he had been in the night before. She caressed his face and he smiled slightly in his sleep, giving her a glimpse of the dimples she had come to love. She pulled the comforter back up under his chin and kissed his forehead before heading for the bathroom.

Donna showered, made coffee and read most of the paper before she heard Josh stirring. She heard him go into the bathroom and take a shower. He emerged 30 minutes later looking better than she had seen him look in days. His hair was still damp and curly, his face freshly shaved. He was dressed in jeans and a white t-shirt. As he passed her she could smell his cologne. The same one that had been lingering on his coat just a few days ago.

"Morning Joshua, coffee?"

"Please" he smiled as Donna turned towards the counter to grab a mug. She set down the mug in front of him and he grabbed her gently around the waist and sat her in his lap. She kissed the top of his head and pulled him close. He just sighed and hugged her tightly. Neither wanted to move, they would have been content to spend the rest of the day in that embrace but the ringing of the phone brought them back to reality.

"Damn" muttered Josh as he reached for the phone on the wall. "Lyman" It was Leo. He took a deep breath and patted Donna's hip for her to get up. He leaned over, elbows on the table and wearily rubbed his eyes. Donna sighed as she saw all of the contentment in his face vanish. "OK, I'll be there in half an hour."

"What?" sighed Donna as she stood behind him, her hands rubbing his shoulders.

"Ann Stark's at it again. I don't have any details. I have to go. Donna, I uh.." Josh fumbled for the right words.

"Verbal skills failing again, Joshua? Don't worry about me. Go. I'm going to go home and change I'll meet you there in a couple of hours. I know, this is not we what were planning on doing today. Go get some shoes and a sweater, I'll put your coffee in the travel mug. Go." ordered Donna as she pushed him down the hall to the bedroom.

She got his travel mug out of his backpack, filled it and grabbed a couple of Advil out of the bathroom. She handed him the coffee and pills and found his car keys. He grabbed the backpack from her, threw it on his shoulder, leaned over and kissed her, deeply. His hands made their way up to her face and her's found their way under his jacket, sweater and shirt. Donna was the one to break it off.

"Josh, go, before we do something we really are not ready for" she sighed as she opened the door and practically pushed him out. She closed the door behind him and just smiled, until she realized her car was still at the White House.

"Damn" she muttered as she gathered her things and made plans to take the metro home. As she was about to leave the phone rang. She waited for the machine to pick up and then grabbed it when she heard Josh's voice.

"Hi, I just realized I stranded you at my place, I'm sorry. Do you want me to come back for you?"

"No, I'll take the metro. I'll be in the office by lunch. Do good in there. Stay calm. Bye." said Donna as she put on her coat.

"Thanks, I will, Donna, I swear I will make this up to you." sighed Josh as he hung up.

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

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