The Gentlewoman Read Online Free Page B

might prove challenging once you get into the swing of
the session. There’re lots of different meetings scheduled across the city.
It’ll keep you running. You may want to think about it. Or lots of people use a
car service.”
    “Is that what you do?” He held the door open for her.
    “Well, I have a car here, but I use a service for work
during the session. It’s faster than trying to find parking.” He directed her
out the back door of the building to the parking area behind a small green
space. He clicked the key fob in his hand and a blue BMW answered. He opened
the passenger door for her.
    “I guess I didn’t think about that.”
    “Hungry, Morgan? I’m famished. Would you mind if we eat
first?”
    “That sounds great. I am kind of hungry.”
    “Good, I know a great little restaurant in DuPont Circle if
you don’t mind Italian?”
    “Sounds good. So what committees are you working with this
session?” She thought she sounded casual.
    “My usual. I’m chair of several of the subcommittees on
Homeland, and I sit on Energy and Commerce and Appropriations.” He gracefully
swung the car through the early evening traffic. He might be a good ally to
have in her corner after all. “What committees are you looking to serve with?”
    “I was hoping for Energy and Commerce myself. I’m also
interested in Health and Human Services.”
    He glanced at her as they pulled up to a red light. “There’s
an opening on Energy and Commerce. You may be a good fit, a freshman from a
swing state. I’d back you.”
    “Thanks, Dorn.” That was all she could manage as she looked
into his eyes. That was too easy, and she wondered what he’d want in return.
She decided to wait for it, make him ask.
    They continued to talk until they arrived at the restaurant.
The place was packed, with the Saturday night crowd in full swing. She was
wondering how long they’d have to wait for a table, as Jackson sauntered up to
the hostess. He flashed his beautiful white smile, and asked her if there was
anything available right away. The hostess, a tall thin blonde in a very
low-cut black evening dress, all but swooned and checked the book behind the
counter. Rory rolled her eyes when the hostess looked up and giggled.
    “Right this way, Congressman Dorn.”
    They were led through the packed restaurant and several
people turned to shake hands with Dorn. Rory went seemingly unnoticed to the
men and one or two women he exchanged pleasantries with.
    They were seated and a waiter came immediately to take their
drink order. “I feel a little underdressed,” she confessed, looking around.
    “Don’t worry, there’s really no dress code here.”
    She picked up her menu. “Come here often, do you?”
    “I come here occasionally.”
    “On your numerous dates?”
    “My reputation precedes me, I see. Yes, I like to go out and
have fun.” He chuckled.
    “You do have quite the reputation. I believe they call you
Playboy Dorn.”
    “Yes, Playboy Dorn. I’m a playboy because I go on some dates
and throw parties on occasion.”
    “Well, there’s also the rumored sex-capades. Don’t forget
about those,” she answered with a smile on her face.
    “Don’t believe everything you hear, Morgan. You know that.”
He set his menu down and looked around. “I haven’t had anywhere near the amount
of fun the media and gossips give me credit for.”
    The waiter returned. Rory ordered the lobster-stuffed
ravioli while Jackson chose the lasagna and ordered a crisp dry pinot grigio to
accompany the food.
    As they started on their salads and bread, she pressed
further. “So you’re trying to tell me that you’re not the sexual rogue the
rumors give you credit for?” She couldn’t seem to stop herself.
    “Well, I’m no angel, but no, I’m not the man-whore they make
me out to be. I think it’s just because it’s novel to have a single congressman.
You’ll see. They’ll start tracking your companions as well.”
    She laughed. “There