Chapter 2

Jessica busied herself in her bedroom, sliding out of the housecoat as she moved to her closet wearing her pajamas to make her selections before she moved towards the shower. She took more time than usual she had to admit, looking for an outfit that would be casually stylish yet warm enough for the day Seth had outlined.

She felt silly for a moment, as she turned in the mirror surveying her appearance. She had opted for some black wool slacks and an elegant royal blue sweater with small flecks of glitter that showed if the sun hit them just right. The thermals were well covered she made sure as she turned in the mirror before going to quickly apply her makeup. It was winter in Maine after all she thought, a time for most people to be wearing layers when they went outdoors to brave the cold temperatures. She wasn't sure why she felt a little nervous as she fussed with her appearance, she was unused to putting forth that special effort for Seth, he was more like a comfortable pair of old shoes type of friend that she didn't have to worry about her appearance with, but he had obviously made an effort for her today and she wanted to respond in kind.

"About time woman," Seth said sounding almost surly as she descended the stairs. "I like the sweater, the blue really brings out your eyes." He complimented gruffly, rewarded by a warm smile for his efforts as she took her winter overcoat and gloves out of the closet. Jessica was well familiar with how he could switch from gruff to sweet practically in the same sentence so thought nothing of it except feeling secretly pleased at her clothing selections as Seth picked up his own outerwear to bundle up before they started walking to his car.

The lunch at the diner and the trip up and down the row of antique shops were both just what the doctor ordered Jessica thought as they easily browsed through different shops and sidewalk displays. They were so caught up in the afternoon they were both a little surprised to find dusk settling in as they exited the last store.

"I don't know about you, but I've certainly worn myself out," Jessica laughed as she and Seth started carrying their bags and making their way arm in arm back to the parking lot some distance away.

"Ayuh, we definitely put some miles on today," Seth agreed, feeling very pleased with himself at how much they had been able to enjoy their day with very little reminder of valentines in the process. The antique stores had been almost deserted as they weren't the typical places all the young couples in love tended to gravitate to.

"My lunch is long gone, could I interest you in some dinner?" Seth offered as Jessica settled herself in the car beside him as he turned it on to let the heater start running.

"Oh Seth, that's very generous of you, but I'm exhausted, besides you know everywhere in town is going to be booked up." Jessica said, feeling ready to go home and slide back into her comfortable pajamas.

"Don't be daft woman, I know that." His tone good natured despite the words. "I wasn't thinking of dining out, I can make you a quick dinner at your house. I'll whip us up an omelet and then we'll call it a night." He proposed, hoping he wasn't pushing his luck too far.

"I don't even know if I have enough eggs, or cheese," Jessica protested weakly as she tried to remember the last time she had gone shopping.

"Of course you do, I put them in your refrigerator this morning." He smiled again, obviously pleased with himself.

"Why Seth, you rascal you," she couldn't help but laugh at his obvious preparation. "In that case I accept." She said as he put the car into motion.

Jessica hung up her winter overcoat as Seth hung his on the coatrack before he stripped off his suit coat, rolled up his sleeves and washed his hands. By the time she had the table set the food was done, it hadn't taken long to have two omelets and toast with some hot coffee as they settled in for a short dinner at her kitchen table. They enjoyed chatting about their adventures at the antique market and some of the items that Seth deemed vintage but not antique to his critical eye."

"These really are lovely roses Seth," Jessica had to admire the roses again when meal was finished and the conversation slowed to a comfortable silence, the fragrance of the roses evident even over the lingering scents of the food.

"I'm glad you like them," Seth beamed, "I can't very well go calling on a lady to spend valentines with me without bringing some flowers, can I?"

"I don't know what I would do without your friendship Seth," Jessica reached out and briefly covered his hand with her own. His smile was genuine as was the twinkle in his eye as he covered her hand with his own, her hand now layered between his warm ones.

Friendly silence reigned for a moment before he cleared his throat and removed his hands, "It's getting late, I should probably go home, want me to stay and help clean the dishes?" He offered.

"No, no it's not much I'll take care of them." She said as she rose to walk him towards the door.

"Thank you Jessica, for sharing the day with me," Seth said warmly as he began pulling on his coat and gloves. As Jessica watched him preparing to leave, she felt a new warmth spread as she thought about how he had saved her from what had started to be a miserable day.

"Thank you Seth, I really mean it, you helped make today better than I could have ever imagined when I woke up this morning," Jessica leaned forward intent on kissing his cheek as she had done times past when he had done something particularly touching.

Accidental or not she would never be able to say as his head tilted towards her, at the same moment she was getting ready to kiss his cheek. Their lips brushed, barely touching before they both pulled back and looked at each other for a beat, his expression suddenly unreadable. The air felt thick to Jessica as she instinctively leaned back in. This time their lips met purposefully in a chaste kiss that they held for just a second longer than might be considered platonic.

As they both pulled away and looked at each other again Jessica was trying to make sense of a sudden swirl of emotions at what she had just done. She was saved from further trying to articulate herself as Seth's usual smile reappeared. "And that my dear lady is the perfect end to a lovely day," he said with a wide grin and quick peck to her cheek before putting on his hat. "Goodnight Jess," he said and then he was gone.