Ch. 25: I Love You
"Are you," Jonathan paused, "cleaning the attic?"
He had heard noises, which had brought him from checking his e-mail for letters from clients. He had followed the sounds only to find himself in the attic, watching Pamela's back as she dug through some old chest. It was rather random, not that it wasn't needed. The place had been in need of a cleaning since he had arrived there; the previous owners had left relic after relic piled in the place.
Pamela turned to him, rolling up the sleeves of her slightly, over-sized plaid shirt a little more. She laughed at his confused expression.
"Yeah, I've been meaning to get my hands on this place for while, but I wasn't sure how long our living arrangements would last. I figured, though, four months and I'm still here, I can start being the lady of the house. You don't mind do you?"
He smiled, "Yes," he replied playfully. If there was one thing about Pam, she always spoke her mind, even if it was something that could change their relationship. He knew most men took it as a big step if the woman started to keep house without being requested. It was appropriate, though; this was a big step. It made it more official, gave a feel of prolonged permanence.
Jonathan, however, was prepared to take that step. It felt right. They now shared a room, feelings; they slept together and not just in the sense of slumber—they were faithful to each other. It was about time they shared a house. It had been an agreement that she was allowed to live there until she found a suitable place.
He walked beside her and began helping her wordlessly for a moment. He wasn't sure how to bring up the subject he wanted, but when their hands both reached into a box towards an old lampshade that belonged to a broken lamp Pam had removed earlier, he saw his opportunity. His hand enclosed over hers.
"Would you like to live here? I mean, I know since the beginning of this relationship you really weren't actively looking for another place, but I thought it would be nice to actually ask you. We already live like a couple, so now you know for sure that for the time being you don't have to look for a house."
"Are you asking me to move in with you?" She asked playfully pulling the lampshade out after he had released her hand. He glared at her in mock annoyance and then grabbed her around the waist, she squealed.
"You're such an infernal woman, Ivy," he hauled her closer to his side, and declared with a smirk. She pouted, "Oh, you know you love me, Scarecrow."
He smiled gently and to her surprise, turned her around and brought her into a dip. He brought his lips inches from hers, but instead of kissing her there, they trailed her cheeks.
"That's right," he told her as if confiding a sweet secret. He brought his lips back to hover above hers then came closer until she could feel the words against her own lips, "I love you, Pamela."
Can I say, awww? These two get more fun as time goes on. "Lampshade" was this chapter's prompt. I realized no one had actually said the L-word aloud. So here we go. Go, Jonny!