[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]

"Have I ever said anything I didn't mean?" Yes, but only when what he actually did mean was entirely obvious, and the contrary words just underscored it. This was definitely not one of those times. "I absolutely mean this."

[st_illunsmeared]

Phryne went still and very quiet. It was one thing to tease, quite another to have him come so close to saying it. Her fingers trembled where they rested on his chest from a surfeit of emotion, and a wild surge of nerves.

It was close to a minute before she said quietly, "Do you know," voice lifting in half a question. "I haven't let a man confess that sort of feeling for me for..." The trembling in her fingers increased and she pressed them down against his skin to make them stop. "A very long time." He knew how long, or could guess at least. "I like hearing it from you, but you won't be hurt, will you, if I can't say them in return now?" God knew she loved him as much as she'd loved any man, but she needed time and much more of this before she could tell him.

[st_illunsung]

Rather than answer immediately, Jack considered. It was a serious question, worth considering, and a quick answer would (rightfully) also be a suspicious one.

Almost certainly, the last man that Phryne had allowed the word 'love' from was the detestable René, who hadn't known or been capable of it. And while Jack was absolutely certain that Phryne knew he was nothing like that, it was still going to come up. The habits and instincts of years, particularly those born of self-defense, didn't disappear after one night. Jack had little doubt of her feelings, now, and the fact that she didn't squirm under his... "No, love," he said finally, punctuating the assurance with a kiss, "I don't expect or require words from you until you choose to say them."

[st_illunsmeared]

This was precisely how he'd gotten under her skin in the first place, by knowing her even when she didn't reveal herself, by being observant enough to understand that courting her required every bit as much patience after the having as it had him before it. The answer she gave came first in kisses, warm and intimate against his throat and shoulder, then in the look in her eyes when she lifted her head, soft and shining, and then in the tender trace of her fingertips over his jaw and face.

Speaking took a long while, but when she did, it was to say simple, "Thank you for that, Jack."

[st_illunsung]

Why would he need words when he had her mouth, and her eyes, and her touch? Even just before their marriage had ended, right up to the day she'd moved out, I love yous had been punctuation for him and Rosie - part of saying hello, or goodbye, or phone conversations. Jack, of all people, knew how little the words actually meant. The substance, which Phryne was more than willing to provide, was the important part.

Not that he didn't intend to tease her, occasionally and gently. "Of course. It gives me something to look forward to, you know."

[st_illunsmeared]

Darling Jack. It was so like him to tease that she felt the tension of the moment receding, the sentiments still potent but without the fear. But if he would tease, she could also. "Darling, how long has it been since you've been with a woman? Trust me--" She drew her kisses down his chest and when she'd neared his belly, she flipped the blanket over her shoulders and grinned up at him. "You have plenty to look forward to."