A little later when Bob excused himself to phone his paper, Kim was surprised at the sound of the Senator's voice over her shoulder.

"Are you being deserted?" he asked in his deep, soft voice.

"No," she smiled. "Bob had to make a phone call."

"That's a shame," he teased. "I was hoping you were stranded."

His flattery started her heart pounding wildly with excitement. She couldn't believe that the famous Senator was actually flirting with her.

"How do you like Washington?" he asked.

"I love it," Kim smiled.

The way his deep dark eyes were looking into hers made it difficult to keep her knees from shaking.

"Kim," he said in a soft sincere voice. "You're one of the prettiest girls I've ever met."

"Thank you, Senator," she smiled, trying to act calm.

He quickly changed the conversation to less personal subjects and asked her questions about Kansas and her hometown.

"Kim," Bob said in a disappointed voice when he returned to where she was standing with the Senator. "The paper is putting me on an assignment and I'll have to send you home in a cab since I must leave right now."

"Nonsense," interrupted the Senator. "Kim is the belle of the ball. I'll send her home later in my limousine.

"Would you rather stay?" Bob asked Kim.

"I think so," she blushed. "I'm having fun."

"Okay," he smiled, kissing her lightly on the cheek. "Thank you, Senator. This is very nice of you.

"It's my pleasure," the older man smiled as Bob turned and hurried from the room.

With Bob gone, she suddenly felt strangely embarrassed standing alone by the Senator. She was faintly startled when she felt his fingers brush against hem as they stood side by side. Gently taking her hand, he led the trembling girl out onto the terrace.

"Lovely evening, isn't it?" he sighed, standing close to her as they watched the city lights spread out below them.