Finally hit the end of this 2/3 ...no wait, 7/8...okay then, 10 chapter very wee story! Thanks for all your reviews, reading and enjoyable comments.
She takes the gloves from him, heart still pumping from the shock of finding him here.
And then hurls them back at him.
"You are such a bloody spook!"
He stands, picking them up from the floor where they have landed after bouncing off his chest.
"How long have you been here," she asks sternly, not wanting him to know just how she's feeling right now.
He opens his mouth to speak but she doesn't give him the chance.
"Oh, forget it, it doesn't matter," and she walks away, hopeful he will follow.
He does.
When they both reach the bottom of the stairs he passes her the gloves again.
She takes them, not looking at him, her hands turning them over and over.
"You realise when you do tell me there's something wrong with you, I'm hardly likely to believe it."
He smiles, "there'll always be something wrong with me, Ruth."
"Yes, well, that's the truest thing you've said in a while."
But he can see from her the curve of her mouth that her complaints are but faint hearted protestations.
""No, Ruth, the truest thing I've ever said …is that I love you."
The gloves become still in her hand.
"And I will say it and keep saying it until you believe me."
"I believe you," she says quietly and her eyes slide up to meet his.
He smiles.
"But if you want to keep saying it in the meantime, Harry, that's just fine."
She smiles.
"So …just so that we're absolutely free of any kind of misconceptions, Ruth, could you reiterate what you understand from this chat."
"You love me…" she says, her eyes mischievous and glowing.
He nods.
"…And you're healthy…?"
He nods once more.
" …And perfectly capable of any strenuous physical exercise?"
"More than capable, Ruth," he growls, moving to kiss her.
But she stops him.
"Wait. Just to make sure, Harry, what do you construe from this conversation?"
He gazes into her eyes, "I think… I hope, that though you have so far steadfastly avoided saying it, that …you love me?"
She nods.
"And that you're not quite ready for me to shuffle off this mortal coil yet?"
She nods once more
"And that should I kiss you now, I won't encounter thrown gloves, or a slapped face?"
She laughs a soft stunning laugh.
"No, but you might have your shirt ripped off again."
"Now that I can most definitely cope with, Ruth."