And that was it, somehow. Those were the words that loosened a knot somewhere, one that Jack hadn't even been aware was tight. It wasn't Phryne's tone, warm and affectionate, he'd heard that many times before. And it was warming, yes, but... this was as close to a declaration as Phryne was likely to get.

Her saying that, on the balance, she didn't think she'd want other men much, if she had him. That it was safe. He didn't have to wait for the other shoe to drop, that it wasn't the beginning of the end. He could want her, even have her, and not have to pick up pieces afterward.

Most likely he'd have to think about that, but... later. Definitely later, because now Jack could let himself notice how very short the negligee Phryne had on was, the faint flush of her skin... without further hesitation, he set his glass down on a nearby table and crossed the short distance on the couch to pull her into a kiss.