An American Cinderella

“Then I’ve already seen the best part of the city,” he informed me with a knowing smile.

My cheeks heated and glanced down at my hands. The compliment warmed my chest. How was it that a simple compliment like that could make me so damn happy?

“You want to get out of here?” I asked. “I still have some time. I can give you a quick tour.”

“Sure,” he said, a thrill filling my chest. I wasn’t sure if it was at his words or his touch that had my heart doing a happy tap dance.

He grinned and squeezed my hand as he stood up. We carefully deposited our empty plates at the designated spot and stepped out to see the sights.

Chapter 6

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.