Penny often played with his hair, and Charlie let out a low, pleased rumble as he felt her hand go there again. She had such a gentle touch, and he reveled in it as she spoke. Of course it was something they would have to talk about, but he was glad they didn't have to hash it out right now. He agreed with her that they could both stand to take a little selfish solace in each other a little right now. It had been a hard night, and Charlie was glad they were on the same page about how to unwind.
Charlie put it out of his mind and focused on her request, and his lips quirked into a teasing little smile. "Say what? I'm not sure what you mean."
The words were faux innocent, and he didn't bother to hide his smile. It just grew the longer he looked at her, and even though he knew what he was about to say was cheesy, he didn't care. Everything around them was so flawed, but he couldn't stop smiling. He was truly mad about her. It made him feel silly and giddy and like he didn't care at all if he made a fool of himself for her. He thought he'd probably do a great many things for her. With her.
"Do you mean that I love you? Is that what you wanted to hear again?" he said teasingly. "I love you. I love you. I love you, Penelope Clearwater."
As soon as he finished saying her name, he lightly kissed her bottom lip, then nipped at it, adding one last "elephant shoes," mumbled against her lips.