The Gentlewoman

by Lisa Durkin

  Jackson introduced everyone to Rory and didn’t miss a beat as the conversation ebbed and flowed. She realized she was staring, mesmerized by his easy candor with his colleagues. He laughed freely and made each person feel special by asking about their wives or kids, or their platforms on the Hill. Honestly, she thought, it was like looking in a mirror because he used the same tactics she had learned growing up around politics.

  Jackson explained an agenda item to one of the many congressional aides, and she realized she was staring at his eyes again. He really was so handsome it should be illegal. She looked at those lips and whiter-than-bright teeth. She had noticed that he never shaved close enough to be completely free of a short layer of dark stubble, and it was pretty sexy. Her gaze dropped to his shoulders and how well they filled out the sharp navy suit and how, as he pushed his jacket back to lean his hand on his hip, she could tell how well his stomach was muscled. Maybe Nicole was right and she should get laid because he made her hot as hell. Was she supposed to go without sex her whole life? Love, yes, but sex? Everybody had needs, for crying out loud, and having him around was like continuously watching porn.

  “Rory, come.” He took Rory’s hand and led her closer to the door where Congressman Koepler and his aide were removing their coats.

  “Harold, Jake, welcome.” Jackson shook each of their hands. “This is Rory Morgan, the gentlewoman from Ohio I was telling you about, Harold.” Rory looked at him for a quick moment before taking Koepler’s hand in a firm shake and giving him a smile.

  “I’m so happy to meet you, Congressman, I’ve heard of your work on funding Medicare and other social programs.” She turned to the aide and shook his hand, noticing his smiling gaze. “I believe we have similar interests on our agendas.”

  Koepler was a portly man seemingly in his early sixties with thinning hair on his fat head. Rory thought he looked as if he had eaten something that was trying to fight its way back out. Unfortunately as the conversation continued, she realized this look was not caused by a digestive disorder, but more likely from his less-than-sunny disposition.

  “We’re in the same party, dear. I’m sure all our agendas reflect some similarities.” Warm and fuzzy it is then, Rory decided.

  “Well, I was particularly interested in your proposal for New York’s job training programs and how the TANF funding formula for the draw down from Job and Family Services would change based on the proposed new parameters. I had wondered what data you had combined to arrive at the percentages you cited for full funding? The data you cited in the first draft legislation didn’t hold up when I applied Ohio’s percentages.” She locked her steely gaze on the congressman and blinked a couple times as if she were impatient for a response. If warm and fuzzy wasn’t going to do it, she’d needle him to death.

  As Jackson watched Rory command Congressman Koepler, he wasn’t just amused at her ability to handle the grumpy prick, he was turned on by her expertise. It was a fact that nobody liked dealing with the fat bastard from Buffalo. But sure enough, Rory had him on the ropes. As Jackson made the rounds and continued his conversations with the other lunch guests, he kept one ear on the conversation between Koepler and Rory.

  It was fascinating to watch her reel the guy in, and he was no small fish. Many had tried and failed to gain his favor. If she could pull this one off, he would know that she was the powerhouse he suspected she would be. At one point Jackson had to stop himself from laughing out loud as Koepler followed Rory across the room like a dejected lover after she had haughtily dismissed his financing plan as no better than voodoo economics.

  Sure enough, twenty minutes later, Koepler was still hanging on her every word. As Jackson approached Rory with Tom Arness of Vermont and George Moore of Texas, Koepler shot him a nasty look and served up a pissy remark for interrupting their conversation. They all stood around as Rory was introduced and embarked on conversation with each one of them. Again, Jackson found himself enthralled, the sound of her voice calling to him.

  Jackson couldn’t help but watch how she glowed. She was obviously very comfortable being the center of political attention, and for the first time he really noticed how she came out of herself. He stared, feeling that he was really seeing her for the first time. And she was beautiful. He couldn’t take his eyes off her.

  She was trim but not too skinny, having a sexy muscular tone, no doubt from the running. She filled out that skirt so nicely he wanted to run his hands up and down her hips. He looked back at her face and didn’t hear a word she was saying to the group as he watched her full lips, slightly shiny with some barely there gloss she had applied on the car ride over. He licked his lips without thinking and imagined what they would taste like, or even better, what they would look like stretched around his cock. As his dick twitched in his pants, the group turned toward him, laughing at the comment Rory had just made.

  “Well perhaps this is a good time to sit and start on our lunch,” Jackson offered in order to hide the fact he had no clue where the conversation had headed. Everybody turned and found a seat. To his dismay, Rory had positioned herself between Koepler and Jake Schnyder, the congressman’s chief of staff, who was gazing at her. An unfamiliar pang of jealousy surged and he worked to control the urge to pull her by the arm and make her sit right next to him.

  By the time the main course was served they were halfway through the agenda, and Jackson was going to kill Schnyder. He called for a break and peered across the table at Rory and Jake for the hundredth time. Steam rose inside him as he watched the shameless maneuvering. What were they, in tenth grade? Flirting and smiling had continued well through the entire meeting. Rory herself seemed very at ease and smiled back. When Jake’s gaze dropped to the undone button at the top of Rory’s blouse, Jackson made a hasty retreat to the men’s room where he could get himself under control.

  He splashed cold water on his face and breathed deeply. Jesus Christ, he hadn’t known Rory long enough to have any thoughts past the usual sexual ones, much less these possessive feelings that he hadn’t had for any woman in the past ten years. He wanted to rip that motherfucker’s throat out. He looked in the mirror and eyed himself suspiciously, deciding he’d better get a handle on his real issues. He wanted her in his bed, for sure. He had felt that way about a lot of women. But he had only felt jealousy a few times, and only about his former wife. Never before and never since, until Rory. He cursed at that surprising realization. And as he remembered what jealousy had driven him to, he knew he needed to handle this shit better.

  Rory excused herself and went to the ladies’ room. She had been talking to Jake the Snake, as she had nicknamed him in her head. She was quickly becoming bored with his attempts to impress the pants off her, literally. As she went down the hall, the door to the men’s room opened and Jackson pushed her back against the wall. It happened so quickly she didn’t realize what he was doing. He braced one hand next to her head, and swiftly planted his lips on hers. She made a surprised sound in her throat but quickly absorbed the heat of his soft lips. She leaned into him. He felt so good. He forced her mouth open and she tasted him as his tongue greedily explored. Instinctually, her hands moved up his chest and she felt his muscles tense as he leaned in and their hips made contact. In a flash, he pushed away. His eyes peered into hers as both their chests rose and fell with rapid breaths.

  “I’m not sorry, Rory. I really wanted to do that,” he said, eyes boring holes into hers.

  She didn’t know what to say. She was glad he wasn’t apologizing but didn’t really know why she felt that way. She just kept staring and breathing, as if that were all she knew how to do. After a moment, he pushed off the wall and calmly walked back to the luncheon, not looking back. After a beat, she stepped into the ladies’ room and looked at herself in the mirror. It was getting harder and harder to deny that she wanted Jackson Dorn to put his hands on her. And she had no idea how she was going to deal with that.

  Chapter Six

  The luncheon was still going stro
ng when Rory said her goodbyes and Jackson placed her in their livery car. It was awkward, so Rory broke the ice by playfully scolding him to mind his manners if he visited the restroom again. They were both smiling at each other as the car drove away.

  The rest of the afternoon droned on. By six in the evening, she was tired and irritated that she had to spend her evening checking in with the party. She and Nicole headed to the Hyatt, where the happy hour preceding the monthly business meeting was just getting under way. They both took a seat at the bar, and Rory ordered a vodka and cranberry.

  “Bet you wish you could have one of these, don’t you, Prego,” Rory teased as she sipped her drink.

  “Sure do,” Nicole answered.

  “Sucks to be you.” Rory looked around the room to take inventory of the arrivals. She was ready to pounce if she saw one of Morgan’s Eleven.

  “So how was the luncheon today?”

  “Good, I got Koepler and Arness. I’m pretty sure I got Moore, but I’m going to confirm with him one more time. He’s checking out since he’s so close to retirement. Bastard better give me this vote before he leaves,” she muttered, lifting her glass to her lips.

  “So that’s seven.”

  “Eight including Dorn.”

  “Yes, let’s not forget our hot friend from Maine.” Nicole smiled and met Rory’s eyes. “What’s going on there?”

  “I don’t know, lots of snow, moose…”

  “You know what I mean, Ror.”

  “I’m not in the mood.”

  “Well, there’s a news flash for you. When are you in the mood to talk about Jackson Dorn? And that, my friend, is why I can’t help but wonder what’s going on there.” She trailed off as she took a sip of her lemonade and smiled wickedly. “I know something’s up, so just spill it. I’ve known you forever.”

  Rory took another sip of her drink and was pensive. It wasn’t like there was anything to tell.

  She leaned in and looked straight into Nicole’s eyes. “Last night I fucked him and another chick until three in the morning. It was really good.”

  Nicole almost jumped off her stool. “Oh my God you’re kidding me!”

  Rory doubled over laughing. “Yes, I’m kidding you, but I love that look on your face!”

  “You totally suck.”

  Rory couldn’t stop laughing. “You are so gullible, Dailey.”

  “Fuck you. Now tell me what’s up, and I mean it. Cut the bullshit, Morgan.”

  “There’s not much to tell. We’ve kissed twice.”

  “Ha! I knew it!”

  “Do you want to hear this?” She took another sip of her drink and continued. “At first I thought of him as just the man-whore playboy, you know, very entertaining. But I like talking to him and I feel comfortable around him. He’s hot as hell and he really turns me on. I don’t know how much longer I can hang around him and not give in. He’s helped me a lot. He seems like a really nice guy, but I know better. I’m sure he has an angle. I just haven’t figured it out yet. He’s really attentive and helpful. I mean, I can tell he has the hots for me, but there’s more to it than that, like he’s trying to get close to me for a reason other than getting into my pants. Which really makes it inconvenient. I’ve been more forthcoming with him, and most of the time I feel like I’m giving him the rope with which he’ll hang me. Does any of this make sense?”

  “Makes perfect sense to me. Landon has you completely paranoid.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I’m talking about the fact that Landon McCollum has trained you to be overly suspicious and paranoid since you were twenty-two years old.” She held up a hand when Rory started to protest. “Couple that with the fact that what Aidan did left you completely devoid of the ability to trust and I’m sure you’re questioning every word Jackson Dorn utters. Which is a shame, just so you know.”

  “Look, I’m not stupid. I’m not past using people to get what I need politically, up to a point. I’m sure that’s what he’s up to. He just goes way overboard with the foreplay.”

  “Have you ever considered the fact that maybe he’s just really into you? Why don’t you just go with it and see where this leads? You say he’s a nice guy and he’s helping you a lot, so what could be the harm? You’re using him for contacts, so what if he eventually asks you for a favor? And, FYI, what’s wrong with scratching the itch? What’s wrong with exploring where this might go and having some fun along the way?”

  “I’m nervous to find out how badly it’ll suck after everything goes to shit.”

  “The glass is just always half full with you, isn’t it?”

  “Fool me once, shame on me,” Rory said into her glass.

  “That’s not how the saying goes, and you know it. You just turned thirty-five. Don’t you think it’s a little early to decide that your shots at happiness are all used up? Look, I’ve been here with you through all the bullshit and I know it’s been worse than hell. I know you’re not over it, and sometimes I worry you’ll never move on. You hold on to the loss like it’s an albatross you have to bear for the rest of your life. But I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to. Give life a try again. Give Jackson Dorn the attention he’s obviously looking for and see where this goes. Have some fun. Move on.”

  Easier said than done, Rory thought. “So I should just fuck him? You are such a bad influence on me.” She smiled, trying to change the subject. “Besides, Landon would kill me for hooking up with the enemy, and the party wouldn’t like it.”

  “Yes, and they are both worth living life for, aren’t they?” Nicole stated.

  “Oh look, there’s Roy Charles. I need to catch up with him.” She walked away as Nicole shook her head in exasperation. Unfortunately, Nicole was hitting the nail on the head.

  Rory finally made it home around nine and Jackson heard her enter her apartment. He tried not to concentrate on the fact that he’d been lying in wait and jumping up at every little noise. He knocked softly on her door.

  “Who’s there?”

  He smiled as she yelled. “It’s Jackson, can I come in?”

  “Door’s open.”

  “Why is the door unlocked if you’re in here alone?” He made his way into the great room and his gaze fell to the new couch. She lay there as if she had merely walked in and collapsed. “Long day?”

  “Yes, long and exhausting,” she replied, without opening her eyes.

  Jackson couldn’t help himself. He lowered himself onto the sofa, planting his knees on either side of her small body. As he eased himself down, he slid his arms underneath her shoulders. His face was two inches from hers.

  “What are you doing?” She stared at him.

  “I wanted to ask how you enjoyed the luncheon.” He smiled and stared into her eyes. He brushed her hair back from her face, resting his palm on the side of her head. His thumb stroked her cheek, looking so large and rough next to her pale smooth skin. His smile faded as he breathed deeply. Arousal slammed through his body.

  “You had to lie on top of me to ask how I enjoyed lunch?” she whispered, staring back.

  “No but I had to lie on you to do this.” He bent his head and kissed her lips softly and gently. He needed more and kissed her harder, forcing her mouth open and exploring her with his tongue. She tasted so good, like cinnamon, and her lips were so soft. Their tongues danced together and he placed his hands on either side of her head. He pulled back and peered into her eyes.

  “I want you so badly, I can’t help myself. I want to be inside you so badly, Rory.”

  Rory looked into his eyes and he silently implored her to let him continue. After a long moment, she ran her hands down his muscular back, not stopping until she squeezed his ass. He moaned and captured her mouth hard, his body melding, his hips rocking into hers.

  He shifted his knee between her legs. He lifted her shoulders and quickly peeled off her coat, tossing it away. He kissed her, heat transferring between their bodies, and she lifted her hips, squeezing him b
etween her legs. His hard cock throbbed to be inside her, but he held himself back. His hand smoothed over her neck and collarbone and his mouth followed. As he sucked and nipped at her skin, his hand palmed her breast through her silk blouse. Her body arched and she let out a breathless moan.

  He kissed her hungrily and urgently. His thumb ran circles around her nipple as he gently squeezed. Her body bowed and she ran her hands up his back to his shoulders. His hands went to the buttons of her blouse, expertly freeing them and laying it wide open. He gazed down at her creamy satin bra, her pink flushed nipples showing through thin lace.

  “God you’re so sexy,” he breathed with wonder in his voice.

  He freed her breasts from the lace cups and she took a deep, shaking breath. His blood pounded in his ears and he hoped she wanted this as much as he did. He wanted his hands and mouth on her body. He moved to her nipple and sucked the pink tip hard. She gasped and jerked as his fingers teased and pulled on the opposite nipple.

  Her hands caught in his hair and she pulled and tangled the thick locks in her fingers. He liked that almost as much as the taste of her skin. She breathed deeply and he felt her muscles tense. He moved to the other nipple and his hand trailed to her belly. He pulled her blouse out of her skirt and moved underneath the waistband, splaying his hand out over her belly, his fingertips landing next to her hip bone. He felt roughened skin and traced the area with his fingertips. She shot up, grabbing the back of the sofa with one hand and pushing hard on his chest with the other. He immediately backed off and looked into her eyes.

  “What’s wrong?” he whispered breathlessly.

  She moved to a sitting position, resting her elbows on her knees, her face in her hands. Her open blouse hung out of her skirt and she tried to get her labored breathing under control. After a long moment, she looked at Jackson with an anxious smile.

  “I’m sorry. I guess I’m just not ready to do this tonight.”