[For Jack] I'm longing to linger till dawn, dear

[st_illunsmeared]

Jack's question and the exchange that followed, still lingered in Phryne's mind a half hour later when they arrived back at her room. He'd been very chary of anything that might sound like he was trying to tie her down, which she appreciated, but perhaps a bit too chary.

The nature of their relationship clearly had changed. No longer did she expect "no" when, as now, she asked, "Will you come in for a drink?" and opened her door to step through. If he did say "no" now, it would be because he concretely had something else to do, and even so, she would be put out to be deprived of his company--and his kisses.

Tonight, they'd already agreed he'd join her, so the invitation was mere nicety, a playful nod to all the many evenings past they'd spent in each other's company. So, she'd already sailed through the door and headed toward her boudoir without waiting for his response. "I'll be just a minute while I slip into something more comfortable."

Comments

[st_illunsung]

More comfortable for Phryne, in the past, often meant more trying for Jack. Comfortable for her tended to accentuate her assets, which had only grown harder to politely ignore with time. Certainly, now he didn't have to ignore them (as much), which meant that 'something comfortable' tended to be something he looked forward to.

For himself, the level of comfort he aspired to was removing his jacket. After a few seconds of consideration, he took off his tie as well. Phryne seemed to enjoy loosening it, but... well, a nod or two in the direction of being comfortable himself seemed called for, somehow.

Finally, before she returned, he poured them each a drink. Simple whiskey, since he was no Mr. Butler to have cocktails ready in his mind, but it would no doubt be good enough.