Chapter 23 – Another 2 weeks?
Now he had confirmed what was going on between him and Juliet it all just fell into place. It was so easy between them.
He spent every night in her room, it smelt nicer than his. Although the passion between them was still strong, he could barely keep his hands off her, he was content to just sleep in the bed with her.
The routine just fell into place, there was no awkwardness any more. They were open about their relationship to the outside world. No one was surprised so it was easier to make the transition of being lovers from being friends while in public.
At social gatherings he would hold her hand or keep and arm around her. He loved the contact. It comforted him and he missed it as soon as she stepped away. When he thought no one was looking he would kiss her temple or the back of her hand.
He was sat with his feet propped up on the desk one day, watching the monitors and listening to the chatter of the other security guys on their radios when Horace walked in.
'Whats up Hoss?' He asked as he lowered his feet and sat up properly.
Horace looked nervous and uncomfortable as he stumbled his way through asking if Juliet and himself were together, and if they were serious'
James thought a second, not understanding what this had to do with Horace, but seeing no reason to lie. He told Horace they were together, and he was very serious about her but wasn't sure how clear he made made it to Juliet.
Horace smiled genuinely at him. It kinda creeped him out. He told him he was happy that he had found someone as wonderful as Juliet. That made James smile too. He was lucky. He stopped smiling when Horace told him they were getting short on space and would they move into a one bedroom house instead?
He was close to saying yes straight away. It made sense, and he would like it if she couldn't push him away by going to bed in another room.
He opened his mouth to answer then snapped it shut. Knowing Juliet maybe he should ask. She had commitment issues, he used to, but they seem to have gone. He no longer feared the thought of being with someone or spending forever with one person.
Moving in seemed like a good idea to him, a logical step. But was what it stood for that she could freak out about. Yes they lived together now, but it wasn't the same as moving in together, as a couple.
He told Horace he would have to ask the Mrs.
When he got in she was cooking dinner. She shot him her beautiful smile as he walked in and he crossed the house in a few easy steps to wrap his arms around her from behind.
She carried on chopping as his breathed her scent in deeply and kissed her neck and shoulder.
'Horace came to see me today' He spoke lightly with his chin resting on her shoulder.
She didn't enquire to he repeated the conversation to her. When he mentioned the house she stopped chopping.
'We don't have to move if you don't want to' He told her.
'Do you want to?' She asked turning in his arms to face him.
'Yes' He replied kissing her. 'I want to move in with you'
She just looked at him. He told her that they could have a trial run, and if she wasn't happy he would move out.
'A trial run?' She asked looking him in the eye, her face not giving away anything.
'Yeah, I know it will work Jules' He held her eye contact and waited for her answer.
'So another two weeks?'. . . .
~*~*~*~*~*~
Now they had sort of discussed what it was between them she did feel better. She still knew that it wasn't going to end well but why shouldn't she have some fun and be happy before it all went to hell. It made being on the evil isle bearable.
They spent all their spare time together. Even 'alone time' consisted of sitting on the couch reading with some part of the other touching them.
It wasn't awkward like new relationships can be. It all just seemed so natural. Like they had been together for years, although they were still in the 'new' stage of not being able to keep their hands to themselves.
Everyone in Dharma knew it was now official. She had braced herself for questions and gossip but none came her way. They had all expected it, and had an idea about it for a while.
One day he had come in from work and wrapped his arms around her from behind. She had known something was up but had no idea they had to move house.
She didn't think she liked that idea. This was their house. She liked it. Would they work in more confined quarters?
It was the way he looked at her and told her he wanted to move in with her that settled it. She couldn't say no to him when he asked her like that, although he wasn't aware of his power.
He did say he would move out if it didn't work. Didn't she deserve some happiness? Didn't this between them deserve a real try?
So she smiled and teased him about it being another two week trial.
A few days later they had their possessions boxed up. Luckily they still didn't own much so it wasn't to bad to get everything moved. Jin and Miles came over to help, both making jokes about James and herself the whole time. It ended up being a fun afternoon.
Jin and Miles helped unpack the lounge and kitchen boxes, which she thought was sweet until she realised it was so she would cook for them.
James looked happy. He was arranging the house, not just how he wanted it but how he thought she would like it too.
He reprimanded Jin for not putting the lamp closest to the chair where she liked to read, and worked hard sorting out the bedroom while she threw together a quick meal.
They all ate quickly without talking as they were all hungry after spending the day shifting furniture.
When they were done James told Jin and Miles to get out. It was their first night in their own house and he wanted to spend some alone time with his woman.
She told him off for being rude and calling her his woman, but she really loved it. She thought he knew that too.
He ushered the guys out of the door and slammed the door behind them. He growled 'I thought they would never leave' as he crossed the distance between them in a few long strides and scooped her into his arms.
He kissed her as he carried her to their new bedroom. 'I could get used to this he told her in a low voice between kisses'
'Don't get too used to it, as it's only for two weeks' she teased, he chuckled and threw her on the bed . . .
