The Tension and The Spark
Part 2
by Karen H and Paula J

“He’s for your choices, now let him be yours, no, um. He represented our country now he wants to represent you? My god I suck at this,” Joey sighed as she laid her head on her desk. Just that morning she had known exactly what she was going to say but as soon as he walked through that door everything changed.

That morning she was as confident, as self-assured as she had ever been but now she was a big pile of lost ambition and distraction. After yesterday she pushed him out of her head a million times since she left his office, but she couldn’t forget he was just down the hall. Just knowing what he looked like without that red t-shirt, it was just too much for her to bear. She was never going to get any work done here and she had to get this slogan done, otherwise there would be hell to pay. It was threatened that she would be assigned a partner to develop it if she couldn’t come up with something on her own. She had never been assigned a “partner” in any of her projects here and this one was going to be no different. She would go home and make a cup of espresso and just work. Time away from the office and away from him and everything would be fine.

Dawson had been trying to read over memos and papers all afternoon, but every time he even took a breath, her image found its way into his mind.

“This job was going to be hard enough without having to think about her just down the hall,” he said as he leaned a few inches in his chair and caught a glimpse of her. “This isn’t going to help either,” he whined.

He tried focusing on his work again, but it was as though his eyes seemed to be drawn to her, like the magnetic north on a compass.

She appeared to be deep in thought and he guessed she’d somehow managed to find her focus again because she was writing furiously in her notebook. He could see her crossing her legs as she put her pencil down to take a sip of coffee. Joey moved the mug away from her lips and looked into, knitting her eyebrows together and he could have sworn she was mumbling something to herself and she uncrossed her legs, stood up and walked over to the kitchen area refilling her cup from the pot.

He tried to pry his eyes away from her, but he couldn’t. She was back at her desk now, taking a sip of coffee as she picked up her pencil and tapped it on her notebook. Her eyebrows furrowed again and she started to chew on her pencil again while she crossed her legs once more causing him to gulp unable to control his own thoughts. “I wonder if she always wears those sexy little white lacy thongs.” The image seemed to be burned in his mind, his thoughts reeling with the other possibilities for her undergarments. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she read over her notes some more, subconsciously bouncing one of her legs slightly causing her skirt to creep up slightly.

His eyes went wide, ‘she’s not wearing any stockings – just like then.” He somehow managed to tear his eyes away from her but his mind was wandering again.

He’d swung his legs off of the bed and reached for his boxer shorts, slipping them on as she’d scooted closer to him on the bed. She lightly sucked on his ear lobe, placing a hand on his shoulder as she brushed her breasts against his back. “You don’t really have to leave now do you?” She’d asked, placing more emphasis on the word ‘now’ as she grabbed him through his boxers, eliciting a small groan from him.

He chuckled lightly taking her hand and kissing it before he rose from the bed and locating his pants went to put them on. ”I’m catching an early flight.”

“And you can’t spare five minutes?” She’d asked with a coy smile as she moved off of the bed, walking towards him as she swayed her hips. “Just five little minutes.”

He’d thought about it, she probably read that in his eyes but he really had to leave if he wanted to make this flight. “I wish I could.” He replied slipping his shoes on and as he looked at her again he found she’d slipped into his shirt. “You’re not making this easy.”

“It sucks that much?” She asked moving ever closer.

“I could just leave the shirt with you.” He’d replied as her body was now touching his, she’d placed his hands on her hips, brushed her breasts against his chest before capturing his lips in a searing kiss. “I’ll call – you.” He managed to blurt out between kisses.

“Maybe I’ll – call you – first.” As they continued to kiss they’d somehow made it closer to the door.

“Maybe.” He replied, her back was almost against the door now and he felt her tugging on his zipper as she bit her bottom lip.

He was hard; the image of her wearing nothing but his shirt had ensured that happening, especially with that little sultry walk and impulse took over.

He pushed her against the door as he covered her lips with his own, hungry now. Her hands moved fast to undo his pants and he helped her push them down along with his boxers. With a sly smile on her lips she wrapped her arms around him and he lifted her off of the floor, entering her as she wrapped her legs around him, taking him in as a sigh fell from her mouth.

Their movements were quick, their moans and sighs loud as he pounded her against the door.

“This what – you were looking for?” He asked as both of their breathing became ragged.

“Yes.” She replied her tone slightly higher, just like before. “Yes…oh yes.”

Shrill laughter from down the hall broke him from his rather erotic daydream. If he carried on at this rate he was going to need to have a shower fitted in his office. His eyes moved towards her desk again but she wasn’t there. Maybe now he could get some work done and as he thought of nonsexual things he was grateful he was in his office.

As Joey entered her apartment she let out a sigh. She was so happy to be home and hopefully this Dawson-free space would allow her to complete the slogan. Her mind couldn’t even wrap around the idea of having a partner, it was just too humiliating to fathom.

She slipped of her black heels and fell into the overstuffed chair by the door. She grabbed her notebook and began to work. Work would finally allow her to think of the slogan that would energize the campaign and keep her a partner-free campaign worker. As she began to move in her chair to get comfortable with ideas swirling around in her head, she accidentally knocked a book from her table.

“Damn it!” She screeched. “I was just starting to be on a roll.” She bent down to pick up the book and saw something she had long forgotten. A small blue ticket lay wrinkled in her outstretched palm and took her back to a place she had tried so hard to forget.

“He’s not just the right choice, he’s the only choice. No one even compares to his record,” Joey stopped only to take a quick sip of her drink and began again with her persuasive speech.

Well it’s not like she had to persuade these people, they worked in her office, but she just liked speaking about her candidate. She wouldn’t have normally gone out to a bar, they weren’t really her kind of place, but tonight Kerry had won the Iowa caucus. Stopping for a moment to reminisce how she got here, she remembered the electric time back in Iowa, the energy in the room when he came in first. They all hoped he would win, but didn’t think it would really happen. Later as everyone celebrated in the hotel, Joey decided on going to a bar and having a few drinks to relax and unwind after weeks of grueling hours and hard work. It was full of a mix of men and women from the campaigns, even some GOP aides that were “checking out the competition,” and taking notes to bring back to the national office. After several drinks, Joey began talking with some workers from the Dean and Sharpton campaign, and even with a few GOP aides.

“Please how can you sit here and tell me that the tax cuts don’t hurt the middle class, why should only the top one percent of workers in the country be benefiting when the majority of the country is middle to lower-middle class?” Joey exclaimed to a GOP aide.

“Hey I’m not saying that, I’m just saying the tax cuts have been very effective,” he said, backing up a bit as Joey became more passionate.

“Effective? How?” she said, taking a large drink. “Has money been established for schools, are we furthering the No Child Left Behind or school choice vouchers? What exactly has that money gone for?”

“How about military defense,” a man said, interrupting the conversation, causing Joey to sit upright. He was sitting next to the GOP aide, probably letting his friend take all the heat for a while. He was handsome, short blonde hair and deep blue eyes. He was handsome; she could admit that and made something in her stomach jump, although she dismissed it as caused by the alcohol.

“We should have used it for something else, families need it too,” she said nervously, seeing him smile at her, making her blush a bit.

“Families are getting it, but just in a different form, protecting them from terrorists and people that are trying to harm American soil,” he said, giving the GOP aide a look, causing him to step away.

“You’re right, we do need to be protected, but what about issues in our own country?” she asked. “We’re so worried about the rest of the world, what about the United States?”

“Good point, but there might not be a United States if we suffer another tragedy like we did,” he said, looking down at her drink. “John I need another beer and a drink for this intimidating lady.”

“I am not intimidating, some men just can’t handle a strong woman,” she said, letting some hair fall in front of her face, causing him to smile.

“I assure you I’m not one of those men, I like a strong woman, especially a strong and opinionated one,” he said, both clinking glasses.

“Good, it’s nice to finally meet a man who can handle a little competition,” she said, barely believing the words coming out of her mouth. She would be mollified if the guys at work knew she was flirting with some Republican at the bar, someone who she just met and already was having impure thoughts of. But there was something about him, his voice and smile that was so…different and attractive. And after a bad breakup with Brock, a change was definitely in order.

Snapping back to reality, Joey shook her head, realizing her deadline was in an hour for the slogan and she still had nothing. Sighing, she packed up her things again and headed back to the office, hoping Dawson would take a late lunch or be gone from the office altogether.

“Joey I have to admit, I’m a little shocked and disappointed here,” Patrick said, reclining back in his chair as Joey sunk lower in hers.

“Patrick look I’m sorry, I’ve been a bit…preoccupied, but I can do this and get it done, I just need until tomorrow morning,” she pleaded, trying not to feel like a bug.

“I’m sorry Joey you know I would but I can’t, the guys need this now with the convention coming up, I’m bringing in someone to help you,” he said, dialing someone’s extension in the office.

“Patrick I don’t need anyone,” she said quickly, mortified.

“It’s not personal Joey nor does it make you look less of a leader in my or anyone else’s eyes, it’s just for some help,” he said, talking lightly into the phone.

“Patrick please I can do this, a partner isn’t necessary,” Joey said, hearing the door open.

“Aww come on Jo, I’m going to think it’s because you don’t like to spend time with me,” a man said, causing a chill to run down her spine as she sat up straight in her chair.

“Dawson, you and Joey have until tomorrow morning to get this slogan done, she’s got a good start but I think you can really help her along,” Patrick said, excusing himself. “It’s due at ten a.m., no later.”

“I don’t need your help,” she said firmly, as he moved closer to her, trying hard not to blush.

“Look why don’t we give it a shot, I won’t tell anyone that we were forced to do this together,” he said, giving her a nice smile, perhaps extending an olive branch.

“Okay fine, come over tonight to my place, address is in the office directory, seven p.m. and don’t be late,” she said, smiling back before marching out of the office, Dawson automatically moving to watch her walk away, blushing a bit when Patrick gave him a look.

Dawson arrived at her apartment at exactly seven p.m., ringing the bell twice before she answered, both smiling and blushing even a bit.

“You have a nice place, I like it,” he said as she brought out some wine and snacks as they settled in the living room.

“Thanks, it’s a good size for me, considering during the next few months I might not be around a lot,” she said, handing him a glass. As he took it from her, their eyes connected and both felt the room fall away, getting lost in each other. It was dangerous but they couldn’t help it, the wine and atmosphere taking them back to the last time they saw each other.

“We should get started,” Dawson said finally, breaking the gaze.

“Sure, okay here is what I have, what do you think?” Joey asked, moving a bit closer to him, Dawson suddenly feeling the room become warm.

After a few hours they finally came up with something after brainstorming as they sat on the couch, flipped through her CD’s, Dawson commenting nicely on her selection, Joey doing the dishes and Dawson drying them to help out.

“I think we got it, well a few for Patrick to choose from,” Dawson said finally, running his hand through his hair as they sat back on the couch.

“Yeah I think he’ll be pleased,” Joey said softly, reclining back.

“Can I ask you a question?” Dawson said, turning to look at Joey. She nodded and he laughed a bit. “When we first met, did you really think I was a Republican?”

“Yes,” she laughed, remembering back to the bar. “You were sitting next to the aide I was arguing with and then he left after you gave him a look so I thought he was a co-worker or something. Iowa was crawling with them.”

“I gave him that look because I wanted him to leave so I could sit next to you,” Dawson said, causing Joey to blush and giggle a bit.

“I thought so,” she said softly, moving a bit closer to him. “Were you right about what you said? That you liked strong women?”

“Hell yes, I should because from what I hear, you’re made of steel,” he said, smiling at her.

“Good, I’m glad I keep you on your toes,” she said, smiling back.

“I was wrong about what I said when we fought in my office, when I said you didn’t have taste,” he said, folding his hands.

“I know, I said some things I also regret, it was kind of a surprising day,” she smiled and he nodded.

“I should be going,” Dawson said as he looked from the clock on her fireplace to his watch. “It’s getting late.”

Joey nodded her head silently, not realizing the time either but not wanting him to leave. She walked him to the door and waited as he put his coat on.

“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said reaching for the door handle before retreating her hand again. It might have been the wine or the mood, but Joey felt bold and as she turned she leaned up to kiss Dawson on the cheek, surprised when he turned his head and their lips collided.

For a split second they were both caught of guard, neither of them expecting to be kissing before something suddenly took hold for both of them. Her lips started to move against his, or maybe his moved against hers, who knew. All they did know was that something that had seemed bottled up for the past two days seemed to be ruling them.

She slid her tongue against his lips and he opened his mouth allowing her tongue’s entry. Soon their tongues were dancing as their hands seemed to develop a mind of their own. Joey pushed him against the wall before her hands got lost in his jacket. His hands ran up and down her back wanting to touch so much more of her.

She caressed his muscles through his shirt, vividly remembering how he looked with no shirt on. His hands moved to the front of her body and he cupped her breasts through her blouse. They couldn’t seem to get enough of each other, unable to stop kissing each other, kissing each other so hard it hurt. Joey could feel herself falling, thinking of nothing but him, him being there with him. Unbeknownst to her, Dawson was thinking the same thing.

“Joey!” He said finding his voice as he removed his hands from her body, trying to erase away all sexual thoughts running through his mind.

“Hmm?” She said as she tailed butterfly kisses back to his mouth.

“I have to go.”

“Okay.” She replied, still kissing him lightly and as he caught her wrists she realized he meant it.

“We can’t-” He began. “Look I have to go. It’s nothing personal, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Joey wanted to say something in response, but he was already gone and Joey was left in her doorway, shocked and confused at what just happened.