I led the way to the famous monuments, walking along the streets of Washington DC, hand in hand. I tried not to focus on how his very touch heated my entire being. I kept sneaking glances over at him as we walked, unsure if this was really happening.

“Where are we going?” he asked as we skirted around a group of tourists. He smiled as he said it, his steps confident and matching mine. I got the feeling he didn’t care where we were actually going, as long as it was with me.

I definitely felt the same way.

“I thought I’d show you the Reflecting Pool,” I replied. It wasn’t far from the restaurant, and it was always beautiful. We just had to walk south in almost in a straight line and we’d hit a lot of the famous tourist sights along the way.

“That sounds wonderful,” he replied, squeezing my hand. I liked that he hadn’t let go of it, even though it was making my heart beat in funny patterns. I never wanted him to let go.

We walked along, making comfortable small talk. I played tour guide, telling him all about the local attractions and what made some of the monuments special. I told him about the museums and the best times to come see them. He listened and nodded as we walked, keeping the conversation flowing. It was comfortable and easy. I felt like we’d known each other for years.

“Here is the White House. The president lives and works here, and it is a favorite to destroy in sci-fi films,” I announced, motioning to the white building to our left. It stood out proud against the pale blue sky. “If you get a chance, the tour is pretty cool. It’s definitely worth the wait.”

“I’ve actually already done the tour,” he admitted. “It’s a lovely place. There’s a lot of history of this country there.”

I stopped dead in my tracks and frowned at him.

“Wait, I thought you said you’ve only seen the Washington Monument?” I asked, confused as to how he could have already had a tour at the White House.

“I’ve been to DC before,” he explained. He shrugged and smiled, as if it were his fault and not mine that I didn’t know this wasn’t his first time here. I felt like an idiot.

“Oh, god. I didn’t ask if you’ve been here before. I asked what you’d seen this trip and...” I grimaced and dropped his hand, turning away from him. “You probably don’t want to see all this stuff again. I’m sorry.”

He turned and caught me, his hands going to my shoulders. They held me in front of him with a strong warmth. “Yes, I do. You obviously love your city. I want to see it through your eyes.”

“Really?” I looked up at him, still feeling stupid for assuming this was his first time here. He said it was a business trip, not that it was his first time to the city. I should have asked. “You’re not just saying that to make me feel better?”

He smiled, lighting up his face. “You are proud of your city,” he said. “I’m having far more fun with you as a tour guide than I ever had with the stuffy official staff I usually have to go with. I want to see this place through your eyes. Please. Take me to your favorite place to show first timers.”

I chewed on my lower lip for a moment. “Okay. But next time, tell me so I don’t tell you things you already know. I don’t want to be boring.”

“You are anything but boring,” he assured me, taking my hand again.

We walked hand in hand down the sidewalk, carefully avoiding the stopped gaggles of tourists. Henry kept his hat pulled low even though the sun wasn’t in our faces. I wished I had thought to bring some sunglasses or a hat too.

Trees leafed out in shades of green and yellow, showing their spring colors that would soon turn to a vibrant forest of green. The green popped against the blue of the sky and the white of the marble monuments. We followed the outline of the Washington Monument, using its tall white peak as a guide point.

We came to the World War Two Memorial and I turned into it. Despite the sadness of what it represented, I loved the elegant beauty of this memorial. Water flowed through the fountain in the center, the sound musically combining with the voices of tourists as they snapped pictures. I led Henry through the square and to the edge of the Reflecting Pool.

Behind us, the Washington Monument stood tall against the sky, almost as if it was watching over us yet again. In front of us, the long expanse of water reflected the sun and sky all the way to the columned building where Lincoln sat.

“This is probably my favorite tourist spot,” I told Henry. “It’s just so beautiful here. In the evening, the stars reflect in the water. It’s peaceful.”

“I can see why you like it,” he said, looking around. “There’s a sense of history here. It actually reminds me a little of home.”

“Paradisa is like this?” I asked.

“We have lots of water and trees just like this,” he explained. “But, it’s more the feeling that something important is represented here. A beauty of the nation.”

He shrugged and tugged on the brim of his hat with a smile.

“I like that. If this is what it looks like, I think I would like Paradisa.”

He grinned at me, his blue eyes bright under his hat. At that moment, I knew I wanted to go to Paradisa with him. I wanted to go everywhere with him.

He reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. The gentle, yet almost intimate motion made my breath catch. His fingers grazed my cheek, sending shivers of hope for more of his touch all the way down to my toes.

A group of teenage girls giggled, catching my attention. The four girls wore uniform plaid skirts and were obviously looking at Henry. I felt a small surge of jealousy as they batted their eyelashes at him. They leaned over and whispered to one another, pointing in his direction.

“Maybe we can head over to those trees,” Henry suggested, turning away from the girls. The green-eyed monster in my belly grumbled, but quieted as we walked away from the girls and their flirtatious smiles. I knew Henry was attractive, but I wasn’t expecting quite the level of attention they were giving him.

We walked over to the trees lining the Reflecting Pool. The sun dappled through the leaves as Henry settled his back against one. I sat timidly beside him, tucking my legs underneath me. I didn’t need grass stains on my pants again. I wished I had the guts to snuggle into his shoulder, but the good girl in me couldn’t seem to find the courage.

I almost wished we were walking again just so I could hold his hand.

“You said you help with your family’s business,” I said, finding a comfortable position. “Is that what you’ve always wanted to do?”

Henry looked thoughtful, his blue eyes following the sparkle of the water.

“I’ve never thought I could do anything else,” he said softly. “I play rugby, but it’s not a professional calling. I did some military work, but it’s expected in Paradisa. I’ve never thought of another profession. It’s always been this.”

“But is it what you want?” I asked, shifting slightly to the side of my knees and getting a little closer to him.

“It is my duty and my privilege,” he replied, not really answering the question. “I’m good at it. I wouldn’t want my brother’s part in things, but I do enjoy my work.”

He paused, and looked at me, his blue eyes taking in my every movement.

“What?” I asked, unsure of his scrutiny. A stand of hair fell across my face again and I nervously tucked it back behind my ear.

“No one has ever actually asked me that question before,” he replied. “I don’t think anyone even thought to.”

“They should,” I said. “Everyone should have a choice in their future.”

He chuckled. “So American,” he said, his voice warm and rich. “I like it.”

I grinned, basking in his smile. “I like you,” I blurted out, not realizing the words had left my mouth until I’d already said them.

Subtle, Aria, I thought to myself. Subtle.

Henry laughed, crinkling his eyes and grinning at my words. “I’m glad.” His laughter stilled, but his smile remained as he looked at me. “I like you, too.”

My heart thrilled and I knew I blushed.

He moved slowly enough that I could have stopped him if I wanted to, putting his hand on my cheek and leaning forward until our mouths touched.

Everything froze for a moment, my heart stopping and my breath solidifying in my chest as his lips touched mine. The sunlight sparkled on the water, caught forever like crystal jewels.

It was a perfect moment.

His lips pressed warm into mine, tasting of sunshine and desire. I kissed him back, my body heating to his touch. His hand tangled in my hair, drawing me to him and anchoring me in a swirl of desire. He took control of the kiss, knowing just what he was doing to drive me wild.

I could feel his smile against my lips when we both pulled back long enough to breathe. Despite barely moving, I was breathless.

“Wow,” I whispered, not sure of what else to say. The sun shone brighter. The sky was bluer. Even the tourists walking past seemed to smile more.

His hand was still in my hair, holding me close to him. I never wanted him to let me go. I wanted to stay right here with him. Or anywhere with him, really. I just wanted him.

He grinned and leaned back over and kissed me again. The second was just as powerful as the first, except I was ready for it this time. My hands went to his chest, feeling the firm muscles under his shirt as I moved my hands under his jacket.

I wanted more. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the thrill of kissing under the trees in the sunshine. It was something out of a love story my mother used to read to me.

“We have to get you back,” he whispered between kisses.

I knew he was right. My two hours had to be up by now, but I didn’t want to go back to scanning old documents that no one cared about. Especially not when I had a hot man kissing me breathless.

“I know,” I said, but I didn’t stop kissing him.

“I don’t want to get you in trouble,” he said, a little more firmly.

“Give me Andre’s number, and Jaqui will let me stay out all week,” I replied, trying to get another kiss. He pulled back slightly. I frowned and looked up at him. I could see duty in his expression. “You’re going to be honorable, aren’t you?”

He chuckled. “I’m more afraid of what that security guard is going to do to me if I don’t bring you back on time.”

“Gus? He wouldn’t...” I paused and thought of the big security guard who walked me to my car when it was dark. He bought me pepper spray for Christmas and my birthday. He had told me I reminded him of his daughters. My shoulders slumped slightly. “Yeah, we should get back.”

Henry carefully released my hair and tucked it behind my ear. His fingers touched my cheek and my heart fluttered. He smiled as he slowly stood and offered me his hand.

His palm was warm against mine as I reluctantly rose to my feet. He adjusted his hat to cover his hair better, tipping the brim lower as we moved out into the sunshine. I kept his hand in mine, enjoying the way he felt beside me as we walked the paths back to my workplace.

Our conversation was easy as we walked. He told me more about Paradisa. Apparently it was a rainy place, but that it was always green because of it. It rarely snowed there except around Christmas time, which made the snow feel more special. Being in Western Europe, it was of course filled with castles and history that the US just didn’t have. He went to elementary school in a castle built two hundred years before the Declaration of Independence was even signed.

“I’d love to visit Paradisa,” I said as we made the last turn before my workplace. “It sounds beautiful.”

“I think you’d like it,” he replied with a smile. He looked over at me and smiled. “I’d love to show it to you.”

My heart skipped two beats and then made up for it by adding in an extra seven. He wanted to see me again. He wanted to show me his country. I knew it was probably just an idle offer, but then I had thought the same thing of his offer to bring me lunch.

I dared to hope that we could get there.

I reluctantly climbed the steps leading to the front door of my work. I wanted to go back under the trees by the Reflecting Pool, not up the stairs to my document prison. The walls felt stifling after the freedom of the sky.

Plus, I just wanted to kiss him again.

Henry reached out and opened the heavy wooden doors. He held them for me like a gentleman as I walked into the cool interior. Gus grumbled from behind his desk, arms crossed.

“Are you alright, Aria?” Gus asked as my eyes adjusted to the different lighting.

“I’m great,” I assured him. I turned and looked back at Henry. “Can I see you again?”

He grinned. “What are you doing Friday night?”

“Nothing.” Even if I had something planned, another date with him would be worth canceling plans.

“I’ll pick you up at six,” he said. “There’s a game I’d like to take you to.”

He took a step toward me and Gus stood up, looking protective. Henry paused and reached out and took my hand. He brought the back of my fingers to his lips for a gentle kiss. I couldn’t help but blush at the princely gesture.

“See you at six,” I replied, a little more breathless than I intended. Henry grinned and released my hand. He nodded politely to Gus and smiled once more at me before heading back out of the building. I watched him leave with longing.

“At least he brought you back on time,” Gus grumbled, taking his seat at the security monitors.

“What?” I asked, still looking at the door and thinking of Henry.

“Two hours. He brought you back right on the dot,” Gus informed me. “Not even a minute late. I appreciate respect like that.”

I stood there for a moment in surprise. I certainly hadn’t been paying attention to time. If it had been up to me, we would have been hours late.

“You know you can call me if your date goes sour,” Gus said, his eyes glancing up from the monitors. “I’ll come get you.”

It was the most fatherly thing anyone had said to me in a long time.

“Thank you, Gus.” My voice cracked a little bit.

“I don’t think you’ll need it,” he continued. “He seems respectable enough. But, I want you to know you can call me if you need to.”

I walked around the security desk and gave the big man a hug. He wrapped one arm around me and squeezed. I felt loved and safe knowing he had my back.

“You’re not supposed to be back here,” he reminded me gently when he released me.

“Right,” I agreed and quickly jumped back to my designated side. “Thanks, Gus.”

I started walking to the stairs knowing that Jaqui would want details of my lunch. I smiled thinking of Henry’s kisses. The way he made my heart pound. I couldn’t help but smile thinking of him.

“Oh, and Aria,” Gus called out. I turned to look back. “He better treat you like a princess or else he answers to me.”

“I’ll make sure he does,” I assured him. Gus nodded and I smiled as I went up the stairs.