Author: Sunny (spargly@email.com)
Rating: PG
Pairing: Toby/Donna
Summary: `This is crazy, she's not coming back here and she's not thinking about me.'
Author's Note: This follows Jeanine's Whiskey Sours and Flowers. Thank you Jeanine for allowing me to write a follow-up to your wonderful story, I only hope that I have done as well as you. This time I get to put the blame on you.

Toby found himself sitting at the same table in the same dimly lit bar he had been in the week before. He puffed on his cigar and scanned the room wondering if she would return. She had been on his mind all week; their previous conversation invading his thoughts. `This is crazy,' he thought as he picked up his glass of whiskey and took a long pull, `she's not coming back here and she's not thinking about me.'

Her candidness about the flowers or lack thereof, had surprised him and he had enjoyed the look on her face when he handed her the single yellow rose. His pulse had quickened considerably when she brushed his cheek with her lips and her soft scent enveloped him. His heart still pounded wildly as he thought about the fact that she no longer was interested in Josh and wondered vaguely if she could ever be interested in him instead.

He shook off the idea knowing it was going nowhere and downed the rest of his drink. Staring at the bottom of the empty glass he debated as to whether or not he should order another. The barmaid appeared from out of thin air and placed a fresh drink on the table in front of him.

"You must have read my mind," he said to her as he reached for his wallet.

The barmaid shook her head and gestured over her shoulder, "From the lady at the bar."

Toby squinted across the room and saw that "she" was now occupying the end stool at the bar. She was watching him and as they made eye contact, she stood up and walked over to him carrying a fresh drink in her hand as well.

"I was wondering if you'd be here," she said as she joined him. He watched as she slid into the seat across from him noting that the dress she wore was not the same as the one he had seen earlier that day. This one was pale yellow and hugged her body in all the right places.

"Where else would I be," he smiled as he took another puff on his cigar.

"The flower shop," she guessed. "Really. You have to stop with the flowers, I'm running out of places to put them."

"All right," he acquiesced. "But like I said before you really should have flowers Donna."

A delicate blush crept up her cheeks and she tried to hide it by taking another sip of her drink. He watched as she nervously brushed her hair back tucking it behind her ear then began rolling her glass between her hands.

"How are things with Josh," he asked lightly not really wanting to know the answer.

She shrugged. "He's driving me absolutely crazy."

Toby chuckled as he raised his glass to his lips. He took a drink and set the glass down. He looked up at Donna as he unconsciously licked his lips and caught her staring at him. Slowly her eyes lifted to his and he couldn't stop the grin on his face as she turned a brighter shade of pink.

"What are you doing here," she asked lamely.

"I'm celebrating."

"Care to elaborate," she requested.

"No," he teased as he finished his cigar then stubbed it out in the ashtray.

"Toby," she pleaded softly.

He opened his mouth to answer but was cut off by a voice calling out to him. "Hey, Toby! What are you doing here?"

Toby turned and watched through narrowed eyes as Josh and Sam approached the table.

"Having a drink," Toby blinked.

"Care if we join you," Josh asked.

Sam tugged on his arm. "He's not alone," he said gesturing towards the opposite seat.

"Donna," Josh said sounding surprised.

"Joshua," she smiled. "Sam."

"This is a surprise," Josh stated. "I didn't know you came here."

"We come here every Friday," Toby cut in drawing attention away from Donna.

"You do," Josh frowned.

"Yes. We do," Toby emphasized.

Sam tugged on Josh's arm again. "Come on Josh. I'm sure they would like to be alone."

"Naw," Josh smiled. "They don't mind if we join them. Do you?"

Toby looked at Donna and saw that she was scanning for the exit. "Actually I do mind," Toby said. "Donna and I don't get to be alone much and we'd like some quiet time."

Josh looked taken aback. "Oh. Ok. We'll go sit over there."

"Bye," Sam said as he pulled Josh away. He knew that Toby had a crush on the blond assistant and was more than willing to help his boss out.

"You ok," Toby asked as they were once again alone.

"Yes," Donna replied as she stared at the table and tried to hide the smile on her face.

"What's so funny," he asked.

"The look on Josh's face," she smirked. "You know he thinks were a couple now."

Toby shrugged and glanced around for the barmaid. He caught her eye and motioned for fresh drinks. He looked back at Donna and replied, "Being part of a couple with you would not be classified as one of the worse things I have ever done."

"You have the most unusual way of saying the sweetest things," she smiled.

He leaned forward smiling at her, "Don't let that get around. Ok?"

Donna leaned forward too, "Maybe. You may have to convince me to stay quiet."

"How can I do that," he asked still leaning forward.

Donna's gaze dropped to his mouth and back up quickly. "I'm sure you could think of something," she flirted.

Toby blinked in surprise at her obvious invitation. "Are you suggesting that I kiss you?"

"If that's what you want to do," she whispered.

"Do you want me to kiss you because you want me to kiss you or because Josh is watching?"

"Josh who?"

Toby moved forward to close the distance between them. He watched as Donna's eyes fluttered shut and her lips parted slightly.

"Here you go folks," the barmaid interrupted cheerfully as she set the fresh drinks on the table. Toby looked up at her and grimaced. "That will be $8.50."

Toby sat back and pulled out his wallet fetching a ten-dollar bill and handing it to the barmaid. "Keep the change," he grumbled.

Donna smirked at his obvious frustration as she picked up her drink and took a sip. She then made a face at her glass. "Wow! This is strong."

"Are you driving," Toby asked.

"Actually, I took a cab this evening," she informed him.

"Well then, I'll have to make certain you get home in one piece," he smirked.

"Your home or mine," she teased causing him to choke on the mouthful of whiskey he had yet to swallow.

"That was cruel," he mock-glared as he wiped his mouth and the front of his shirt.

"I was just asking," she blinked.

The corner of his mouth lifted as he stared at her. "I'll take you where ever you want to go," he said which caused her to laugh out loud.

She tried to hold his stare but after a minute turned away and saw that Josh was watching them intently. She huffed and began fiddling with her drink.

"What was that for," Toby asked.

"Josh is staring at us," she informed him.

"Really?"

"Yes," she nodded.

"Why don't you come sit next to me," he suggested.

She hesitated. "What do you have in mind?"

"Nothing harmful," he smiled. "I promise."

Donna moved next to him and was pleasantly surprised when he put his arm around her and gently stroked her shoulder. Closing her eyes, she leaned into his body soaking in his warmth. Toby lifted her chin and gently pressed his mouth to hers. Donna moaned as she opened her mouth to allow access to his gently probing tongue.

"I'm not sure if it's the alcohol or that kiss but my head is swimming," Donna said as they broke apart.

"I'm an excellent kisser," Toby bragged.

"Yes you are," Donna agreed as she reached up and pulled his head closer for another kiss. They were both gasping for air as they broke apart the second time.

"I think it's time to go," Donna said as she began to stand up. She swayed and had to be steadied by Toby's hands on her waist. He waited as she gathered her purse before leading her outside, neither of them looked to see if Josh was watching.

Toby hailed a passing cab, which refused to stop. He cursed at the driver flailing his arms in anger. He winced as a sharp whistle rent through the air. Turning around, he stared at Donna in wonder.

"What," she asked. "I use to help my uncle call in his cattle dogs. I had to learn how to whistle."

Another cab pulled to the curb before Toby could reply, so he shook his head and opened the back door for her then followed her inside. Donna gave the driver her address and settled back into the seat next to Toby. They sat silently for a few minutes until they drove past the White House. In the shallow light of the passing street lamps, Toby could just make out the awed look on her face. He chuckled at her.

"What's so funny," she asked.

"You," he replied softly. "We've worked in the White House for years now and you still look at it like it's your first time."

She smiled at him. "Actually that is my `I hope this isn't my last time' look. There are still days when I can't believe I work in the White House."

"Me too," Toby nodded.

"You were destined to work n the White House," Donna disagreed. "I'm a college dropout who dates gomers and lives with cats. Whereas you are a brilliant political strategist."

Toby laughed sarcastically and offered her his hand. "Hi. I'm Toby Ziegler. I don't believe we've met."

Donna slapped his hand. "You are. I`ve seen you in action. You can light the world on fire."

Toby glanced at her sideways. "Donna, this is the first election I've ever won. Ever. And I've been doing this for many, many years."

"I have to think that those loses were the result of stupid people not listening to you," she stated matter of factly.

Toby shook his head, put his arm around her shoulder and kissed her temple. "I need a cheerleader," he whispered. "Want to apply for the position."

"I don't apply for anything," she responded as she laid her head on his shoulder. "I just take over and I think I'm already doing that job."

"Yes and you're very good at it," he agreed.

"This is my block," she announced as she recognized the passing scenery. "Are you coming up? I need to break my habit of dating gomers."

"Then we should do this the right way," he said as the cab pulled to the curb. "Wait for me," Toby told the driver as he got out of the car. He helped Donna out and walked her to her door.

"I guess this means you're not staying," she asked trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

Toby leaned closer and kissed her softly on the mouth. "Only gomers expect to sleep with a woman on the first date. I'm not a gomer and you deserve better. Have dinner with me tomorrow?"

"Yes," she smiled.

He leaned in again and captured her mouth. One hand slid into her hair and held her head still as the other hand slid around her waist to pull her body firmly against his. Donna wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him back fiercely. A horn blast from the waiting taxi brought them back to reality and they parted.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Toby whispered. He watched as Donna unlocked the door and went inside before turning and walking back to the cab. As he settled into the back of the cab he pulled out his cell phone and called the florist shop. He left a voice message telling the shop to send two-dozen red roses to the White House first thing in the morning.