The days following the kiss felt like a dream. Gini floated through the manor with a lightness she hadn't felt in years, a constant smile on her face. Everything seemed brighter, and more beautiful, as if the whole world had been painted with warm, vibrant colors. The storm that raged outside now seemed like a distant backdrop to the blooming love inside the manor. Gini found herself looking forward to each new day, eager to spend time with Jonah, to share in his laughter and warmth.
Jonah, for his part, was a mix of his usual mischievous self and a new, softer version that Gini found utterly endearing. He teased her relentlessly, calling her "Shortcake" and other playful nicknames, yet he was also incredibly attentive and caring. He would bring her breakfast in bed, make sure she was comfortable, and even insisted on helping her with her tasks around the manor. It was a side of him she hadn't fully seen before, and it only made her fall for him even more.
However, there was one thing that gnawed at Gini, a small but persistent irritation: Jonah's insistence on maintaining a certain physical distance. Despite their undeniable chemistry and the passion they had shared, he seemed to have drawn an invisible line they weren't crossing. While they held hands, hugged, and kissed, Jonah would often pull away before things could escalate. It was as if he was holding back, and it left Gini feeling confused and a bit frustrated.
One afternoon, as they lounged in the library, Jonah reading while Gini sketched in her notebook, she decided to bring it up. She set her pencil down and looked at him, trying to gauge his mood. "Jonah," she began hesitantly, "can I ask you something?"
He looked up from his book, a lazy smile on his face. "Of course, Shortcake. What's on your mind?"
Gini chewed on her lower lip, a nervous habit she hadn't been able to break. "It's just... I've noticed that you seem to be keeping some distance between us. I mean, after everything that's happened, I thought... well, I thought we'd be closer. Physically, I mean."
Jonah's smile faltered slightly, and he closed his book, setting it aside. He took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for the conversation. "Shortcake, it's not that I don't want to be closer to you. Believe me, I do. But I... I guess I'm a bit old-fashioned in some ways. I don't want to rush things and ruin what we have."
Gini frowned, her brows knitting together. "But it feels like you're holding back, and it's confusing. It's not like we're strangers anymore."
Jonah sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, and I'm sorry if it's been frustrating for you. It's just that... well, I've had relationships in the past that moved too quickly, and they didn't end well. I don't want to make the same mistakes with you. You mean too much to me."
His words were sincere, and Gini felt a rush of affection for him. She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "I understand, Jonah. I do. And I appreciate that you're thinking about us and not just acting on impulse. But it's hard sometimes, you know?"
He nodded, his eyes softening. "I know. And I promise, I'm not trying to keep you at arm's length. I just want to make sure we're both ready, that we're on the same page. You I love you, Shortcake."
Gini smiled, leaning over to kiss him softly. "I guess I can live with that. For now."
They shared a quiet laugh, the tension easing between them. For the rest of the afternoon, they fell back into their comfortable rhythm, the question of distance lingering but no longer pressing. Jonah continued to be his usual self—charming, teasing, and slightly infuriating—but now Gini saw the care and thought behind his actions. He wasn't just being cautious; he was trying to protect what they had, to ensure it lasted beyond the confines of the storm and the manor.
Despite this understanding, Gini couldn't help but wish for the storm to never end. She knew it was a selfish thought, but she couldn't bear the idea of the outside world intruding on their little bubble. The manor had become a sanctuary, a place where they could be themselves without fear of judgment or expectation. She was happy here, with Jonah, and the thought of it all ending filled her with dread.
But as they say, all good things must come to an end. One morning, while Gini was in the kitchen preparing breakfast, her phone rang. It was an unusual occurrence, given the storm had knocked out most communication lines. She quickly wiped her hands on a towel and answered the call, surprised to see it was from the house management company that had hired her.
"Hello?" she answered, a mix of curiosity and apprehension in her voice.
"Hello, Ms. Ray? This is Mark from the management company. We're calling to check on your well-being and the status of your assignment, given the severe storm that's been affecting the area."
Gini blinked in surprise. "Uh, hi, Mark. Well, I'm fine, thanks for asking. But, um, there's been a bit of a mix-up. You see, Jonah Goodwills, the owner, is actually here, and—"
"Wait, what?" Mark interrupted, his voice laced with confusion. "The owner is there? But that's impossible."
Gini frowned, her heart rate picking up. "Well, he's definitely here. We've been stuck together since the storm started."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Ms. Ray, you might be in danger."
Gini felt a knot form in her stomach. "Why?"
"&^*&%*$&#%$#$#" Mark just finished the sentenced and call shut down.
Gini trembled and shivered as she lost balance and collapsed with the phone in her hand.
"Shortcake?"
She heard Jonah call out to her. She quickly hid the phone below the counter and stood up.
"I'm here. I was just getting some water," Gini said aloud luring Jonah to her in the kitchen where she was standing.