**A BIG thanks for all who have stuck with me!

Lauren stepped into Seth's home. She immediately gave him a smoldering kiss, running her fingers through the back of his hair.

Seth just stood there, stunned, and unresponsive. Lauren realized this and the fact that his hair was slightly damp, and his shirt was only half buttoned. She had a feeling he hadn't just rushed out of the shower.

It took a minute for Seth to find his voice, "Lauren. Wha..what are you doing here?"

She shrugged her shoulders, "Well, after the other night we conked out. We also didn't have much time to, talk, because of our interruption that morning." She continued to keep her hands wrapped around his neck.

Seth gently removed the hands and encouraged Lauren to sit on the couch.

He joined her and then turned to her, "Lauren…" he took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes before returning the spectacles to the bridge of his nose. "I don't want you to get the wrong idea. The other night I came over to see you and I was confused and hurt and angry. I am ashamed to say I took advantage of you and that was wrong."

"Seth, you didn't take advantage of me. I wanted us to be together that night."

Seth realized she still wasn't getting it.

"As the good book says, there are seven deadly sins and I'm afraid I committed one with you. When I saw you, when we were…together, I let my lust take over my common sense. Deep down I knew it was wrong and that's why I stopped it from going any further. I'm afraid our relationship cannot go down that path"

Lauren got up from the couch and began to pace, "I feel like such a fool. I threw myself at you like some cheap slut."

"No, don't talk like that. You are no such thing. I admit I felt something for you these past few days, but it wasn't love. I care about you very much, but I was just avoiding something I've known for a long time. I'm in love with Jessica Fletcher."

"Oh, I see. I should have known the both of you are so close, so it only makes sense. I'm going to leave now." Lauren quickly got up.

"Lauren, I never meant to hurt you. You're a beautiful, vibrant woman who will someday catch the eye of a handsome young man who will only treat you like queen." She smiled politely and Seth gave her a kiss on the cheek.

She closed her eyes and a single tear slowly found its way down to her cheek.

There was an awkward silence and Lauren quietly went out the door. Seth took a deep breath and was relieved that, all things considered, the interaction went rather well.

Just then, Jessica walked down the stairs, her clothes a little wrinkled from the previous night.

"Who was that Seth?"

"Oh, that was Lauren. We had a talk about the other night, and I think she understands that there can be nothing between us."

"She must be awfully hurt. I know I would be. You Seth Hazlitt are one of a kind. You're gruff but honest, cranky but loveable and, most of all, the beacon of light in my life."

Seth chuckled and gave her a sweet kiss on the mouth. "So, ready for breakfast?"

"I'm famished!"