Charmed - New Love


Dust jacket by Helen.


Title: New Love
Written For: Charmed Flashfic
Pairing: Paige/Richard
Rating: PG-13


Richard broke the kiss first.

“I’m sorry, Paige. I hope I’m not going too fast.”

Paige smiled and leaned in for another kiss, catching Richard off guard.

When their second kiss ended, Richard looked at Paige, a little bewildered.

She laughed.

“You’re not moving too fast for me, Richard. I’ve been thinking about you a lot since we ended your family feud with the Calloway’s, but I wasn’t sure if you would be interested in me.”

“Paige, you are a beautiful, amazing woman who saved my life. How could I not be interested?”

“Well, you know the whole magic thing.”

“The magic thing?”

“Yeah. I know you’re not crazy about magic and you haven’t practiced it in years. You think because of what your family went through that magic causes nothing but trouble. I, on the other hand, embrace magic. I just spent the last year of my life learning as much as I could about magic. And so far, every single one of my temp jobs has involved my magic. It is my destiny to be a powerful witch. My sisters’ and I always have our lives interrupted because of demon attacks and innocents who need saved. I just wasn’t sure if you could handle that.”

Richard sat, silent, for a few moments, contemplating her words.

“I’ll be honest with you, Paige. I’ve thought about you a lot since you saved my life. And I did know that magic was a big part of your life and I think that is part of what kept me from calling you. But as soon as I saw you in Larry’s office, I felt like I was being foolish. Just because magic ruined my family, doesn’t mean it is that way for everyone.”

They both sat for a minute, looking into each other’s eyes. Paige wasn’t sure how to respond.

Richard reached out and caressed her face.

“Paige, I would very much like to explore a relationship with you. Yes, I think the magic issue is something we will need to work through, but I think it is worth trying to overcome.”

Paige took his hand. “Richard, I can’t deny that I feel a strong connection with you. But I also can’t help but wonder if the intensity comes from all we’ve gone through together.”

Richard leaned in and kissed Paige again. Paige tried to resist for a moment, but was soon caught up in the passion of the kiss.

When Richard broke the kiss, he said, “Paige, look me in the eyes right now and tell me you think that was not real emotion. If you can do that, then we can say good night right now.”

Paige looked Richard in the eyes, and after a moment’s hesitation, said mischievously, “It’s definitely time to say good night.”

Richard looked confused, as Paige took his hand, blew out the candles, and led him upstairs.

Richard stopped in the doorway to his bedroom.

“Paige, are you sure you’re ready to take this step?”

“As sure as I’m ever going to be. You’re right. There is definitely something pulling us together. We’re adults. Why shouldn’t we spend the night together?”

Richard nodded and they entered the bedroom. He dropped Paige’s hand and walked around, magically lighting the candles that were placed throughout the room.

Paige looked at him, stunned.

“Um… Richard… I thought…” she stammered.

“That I didn’t practice magic anymore? I don’t normally, but it does come in handy around the house sometimes.”

Richard walked back to where Paige stood. He took her in his arms and they began to kiss.

The kiss became more passionate with every passing minute. Richard tentatively moved to the next level, moving his hand to the front of her button down shirt. Slowly, he broke the kiss and began to undo the buttons one at a time. Just as he unbuttoned the last one and was about to slide the shirt off her shoulders, they were interrupted by Paige’s cell phone ringing.

“Always with the timing,” she moaned as she fumbled through her purse. “This better be important,” she answered the phone.

“Gee, Paige, nice to talk to you too,” Piper retorted. “Where are you? We expected you home by now.”

“I’m, uh, still at Richard’s. Was there a demon attack? Do you need me to come home?”

“You’re still at Richard’s? What are you two…” Piper broke off mid-sentence. “Phoebe! Paige is still at Richard’s. What do you think they’re doing?”

Phoebe picked up the extension.

“Oh. I am picking up a very strong sensual vibe,” she began.

“Are you also picking up a very annoyed vibe?” Paige asked, rolling her eyes at Richard. “Is there an emergency that requires my presence at home, or are you just trying to interfere in my life again?”

“No emergency, Paige. We will be requiring your, um, culinary skills at some point in the near future, but it’s not an emergency. More of a preventative measure,” Piper explained.

“We’ll just let you get back to… um… well… I’m hanging up now. Have fun!” Phoebe disconnected her extension.

“Are you coming home tonight?” Piper asked.

“Don’t know yet,” Paige replied. “Can I go and find out?”

“Oh sure, sorry! Have fun and be careful!” Piper hung up.

Paige flipped her phone closed, looked at it for a moment, and pushed the power button. She put the phone back in her purse and walked back to where Richard stood.

“Now,” she said suggestively. “I think we were right about here.” And as she said here, she slid her shirt off her shoulders.

Richard gasped as Paige moved closer and began to remove his shirt.

“Um, Paige. Do you think it’s a good idea to turn your phone off? What if there is a demon attack and your sisters’ need you?”

Paige removed Richard’s shirt and moved down to his pants.

“Nothing will happen tonight. If they thought something was going to happen, they would have told me to come home now. So we’re free to do whatever we want.”

Richard stood in his boxers, looking at her.

She winked and moved in for a kiss.

End