Page 102 of Reluctantly Rogue

But also, justJonah.

Take away the magical tongue and the dirty talk and the hands that know exactly how to touch me, and he’s still such a good fit for me. He sees sides to me that no one else does, that no one has ever even bothered to. And he likes them all. Taking care of me seems to give him pleasure, and I love knowing that he’s there for me.

I can easily imagine traveling the world, on behalf of Cara, with Jonah at my side. We would discuss policies and new ideas, he’d listen to me brainstorm, ask questions, tell me honestly when I could push harder to do more, but he would also be proud of me, and would be very generous with the praise and compliments when I was doing a good job.

With enough ‘good girl’s’ from that man, who knows what world problems I could solve?

He would never see the things I do as just good for Cara. He understands why I do what I do, and that it gives me pleasure and fulfills me as well. He would want that for me.

I hit SEND on the email to Torin with my ideas outlined and my notes about what James told me last night. He can take it from here.

I turn on my chair. “I’m done. Ready to go.”

Jonah looks up. He’s dressed in blue jeans, a black T-shirt that fits across his chest and shoulders in a way that makes my mouth water. Vivid images of his bare torso last night spring to mind. I didn’t get nearly enough chance to run my hands, and mouth, over his body. I would very much like that opportunity. Soon.

“You just need to go get dressed,” he tells me.

I feel butterflies flutter in my stomach, replacing the nerves.

I don’t remember the last time someone bought me clothes. I’ve never had a man buy me clothes.

I’m also excited to see what he has in store for us today. I love D.C.. But I have seen all of the monuments and museums before, and I am very interested in how Jonah is going to make it different.

“Just give me a few minutes,” I tell him.

I go into the bedroom and shut the door, though I realize that’s silly considering how much of me he saw last night. Very close up.

I giggle thinking about it. Then I giggle about giggling. I am not really the giggling type. But Jonah makes me happy. Almost giddy.

I’ve never dated, so I’m going to blame all of this on the fact that there is a sixteen-year-old girl still inside me who is experiencing all of this for the first time.

I reach into the gift bag that is sitting on the mattress. He had someone else pick this out, but he knew the size and I’m sure he gave them specifications, considering he has a very distinct idea about how I need to be dressed today. Though he’s right that I didn’t bring any casual clothes appropriate for tourist activities. I have lounging in the hotel room clothes and dress up to go out at night clothes. I really thought those were the two things I was going to be doing here.

I pull out a dress. A sundress. I hold it up in front of me and grin. It will hit me about mid-thigh. The wide straps will cover my shoulders but will leave my arms bare. It’s white with little red cherries scattered all over it. It’s very feminine, very cute, and I have to admit, kind of on the nose. But I’m blushing and grinning at the same time. I reach back into the bag and find a little red cardigan to go over the top.

The weather here is beautiful, but it is only April, so it’s not hot yet by any means.

If we’re going to be walking around a lot and playing tourist, I also realize that I’ll need to wear comfortable shoes. I know it’s no coincidence that the shoes I wore on the plane will go perfectly with this outfit. It will be cute, casual, and fun.

I love that those are the words to describe going out with Jonah.

I slip the dress on and debate whether I need a bra or not. The material is not thick, but it’s not see-through either and the bodice is fitted. I decide to forgo the bra, and shrug into the cardigan. I head into the bathroom so I can quickly pull my hair up into a high ponytail. Jonah has seen my hair in several different styles over the past year, but I very rarely wear it in a simple ponytail. I decide to skip make-up, adding just a little mascara and some shiny lip gloss. I study myself in the mirror and like what I see. I look happy. Excited.

I get to just hang out today with someone I like very much. I don’t have to meet with anyone important. I don’t have to worry about how I look. I don’t have to be ready to negotiate or prepared to think on my feet in case someone asks me a challenging question about the palace’s stance on an issue. I don’t have to win anyone over.

The guy in the next room likes me. He knows me well. And likes me anyway.

This is going to be a great day.

We take our seats in the National Air and Space Museum’s planetarium.

So far we’ve strolled through the museum holding hands, talking casually, showing each other our favorite exhibits, and comparing notes on our favorite things about D.C..

It’s been light and fun and definitely different from my previous trips. I haven’t felt this relaxed on a trip in years.

Or this…desired.

Jonah hasn’t stopped touching me since we got out of the town car that brought us to the National Mall.

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