Chapter Four - two weeks later
Jaime and Oscar, without needing to discuss it, were spending every available moment together. Oscar was actually developing the ability to leave the office at a decent hour; for the first time he had somewhere to go. They were spending nights with each under their own roof, also with no need to discuss it. Slow (but still scorchingly hot) was the order of the day.
Oscar had expanded his dinner repertoire from ordering pizza to ordering Greek and Chinese as well. On this night, they were together in Oscar's kitchen and Jaime was teaching him to make a simple spaghetti sauce. "This," she said, pointing to the large square appliance, "is an oven. These round pieces on top are called burners."
"Is that a fact?" Oscar grinned as his arms snaked around her waist and he pulled her very close to kiss her. He was happily surprised when, for the first time, the tip of her tongue found his, throwing gasoline on an already blazing fire. With this action, she made Oscar's decision for him. Tonight, he would tell Jaime how he really felt about her.
Jaime began acquainting him with his own kitchen, and he followed her like a bee drawn to honey. He tried to keep his mind on the cooking lesson and not on how beautiful she was, how much he wanted her and how deeply he loved her.
When they'd finished eating, they relaxed together on the futon in the den. Instead of curling up next to him, as had become a habit, Jaime's mood turned suddenly solemn. "Are you alright, Babe?" he asked.
"I have to talk to you," she began.
"Sounds serious."
"It is." Jaime took a deep gulp of air as she tried to figure out the best way to tell him about the decision she'd reached. She had no idea what he'd say or how he'd react. Oscar, meanwhile, was bracing for the worst.
"I'm leaving the OSI - effective immediately," she told him very fast, before she could change her mind.
"What? -"
"I mean, I'll give two weeks' if you absolutely need me to, but I'd like to be gone as soon as possible."
Gone where? Oscar thought. Is she joining Steve in Thailand? "Jaime, think about this before you do something rash -"
"I have. Thought about it, I mean. Haven't been able to think of much else."
"Can I at least ask why?"
Jaime grinned at him. "I've developed feelings for the boss that could be seen as - inappropriate."
Oscar began to breathe again. With his eyebrows knit together in mock seriousness, he told her "You know, Agent Sommers, statements like that can result in major consequences." He smiled broadly at her as he took her in his arms.
"I throw myself on the mercy of the court," Jaime whispered.
"While we're being so serious," he said, delving deeply into her soul as their eyes locked, "I have something to tell you, too."
"What's that?"
"I've waited so long to tell you this - far too long. I love you, Jaime. The first day I met you and looked into your eyes, I fell completely in love."
"Oscar, I was afraid to tell you. I love you so much, I haven't thought of anything else since..." her voice trailed off.
"Since Steve left?" he finished for her. Jaime didn't answer and had to look away. Oscar cupped her chin gently in his hand, tilting her head up so he could see her eyes. "Babe, I'd worry if you didn't feel that way. He's always been a big part of your life; he had a lot to do with who you are today. I'm not talking about the bionics, either." He smiled at her and kissed her lightly. "Hopefully we'll both always be able to call him a friend."
"I just wish -"
"What is it, Babe?"
"I wish I'd known how you felt a long time ago. I wouldn't have wasted so much time chasing something that wasn't even there."
Oscar kissed her again. "I've always been good at hiding things. Remember, I'm the one who taught you about stealth and covert operations."
Jaime laughed. Snuggling even closer to him, she said, very softly, "Besides, we're both here now, and that's what really counts."
"You're definitely right about that," drawing her into a very long, very passionate kiss. That night, neither one of them felt that she should go home.