Chapter Two
The first couple of hours on the road were easy. They talked, traffic was light, and the car rode smoothly. Then it happened. A flat tire. He had to call the rental car company to have them send out a tow truck since customers weren't allowed to change tires or do any work on the cars. An hour later they were on the road again but then they had to make a call of nature stop. He topped up the gas tank at the same time to avoid having to stop again but it seemed luck was against them. The skies opened and it was raining hard. Visibility was poor and their speed was reduced to thirty miles an hour. The tension was creeping up on Seth making his shoulders tight and giving him a slight headache.
"We probably won't get there until it is time to register for the convention." grumbled Seth.
Jessica reached over and patted his hand. "You said there was nothing but a cocktail hour and registering tonight so I think we'll be fine, Seth."
Four hours later Seth was groaning and complaining about the traffic, the weather, and being three hours behind schedule when Jessica insisted they make a stop.
He pulled into a gas station and got out to fill the tank. Jessica got out as well and stood beside him. "Seth, listen to me." He looked at her with a frown on his face.
"We can spend the rest of the time enjoying ourselves or I can listen to you complain for the next four hours. Which do you think I'd prefer?" She moved closer to him. She wrapped an arm around his waist and leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Sorry Jess. I can't control the weather but I can control myself." he sighed and then finished gassing up.
"Thank you, Seth," she smiled at him. "If you're going to lose control I hope it's for something far more pleasing than the weather." She winked at him and returned to the passenger seat.
Seth stared at the back of her head. Was she flirting with him? Although the weather improved for a short while, they arrived late. It was after eight in the evening and they hurried to the convention registration station first. Fortunately, others were still in line and it didn't take Seth long to finish with the formalities.
"Let's go check in, Jess. You said you were staying here as well, right?" He moved quickly through the lobby. His check in went smoothly but they hit another snag. Jessica's reservation had been made for the following Thursday, not today, and there wasn't a room to be had.
"Well, I supposed I can share with you and look for a room in the morning?" She looked at Seth for confirmation.
"With me!" whispered Seth loudly. "You can't stay with me!"
Seth blinked as he saw Jessica drop her gaze. She picked up her suitcase and bag, walked over to one of the sofas in the lobby, and took a seat. Seth followed behind her with his own luggage.
"Go on up to your room, Seth. I'll call Phyllis to get me a room somewhere." She took out her cell phone to make the call.
"Jessica," began Seth. She didn't look up at him. In fact, she was staring at her shoes and her eyes were shiny. He sat beside her and turned her face toward him. "Jess?"
"Last year you dropped in on me at my apartment in New York. You didn't make a hotel reservation. You just invited yourself over to my place to spend the week. I guess this is payback for making you sleep on the sofa and not inviting you to my bed. At least I didn't kick you out." She looked down again but he had already seen the hurt in her eyes.
"Jess, this is different," whispered Seth, looking around to make sure they weren't overheard.
"Yes, it is. This time I need you instead of you needing me." she stated simply. A tear fell but she studiously stared at her feet, refusing to look at him. "I'll manage, Seth, just go." She started dialing Phyllis' number when Seth stopped her.
"Don't be upset, Jess. I was trying to protect your reputation." He hated when she cried. It wasn't often and never in public so she was really hurt. "Of course you can stay with me. I don't mind, really I don't."
Seth was getting worried. She kept staring at her feet and didn't seem inclined to get up. He saw another tear fall and he knew she was struggling to stay composed. He couldn't imagine her crying over a mixup with the reservation. What was going on with her?
He picked up her hand and rubbed it. "I'm going to go over and get you registered in my room, okay?" She nodded so he went over to add her to his room. It only took a few minutes and then he was guiding her to the elevators. Seth looked over as they ascended to the 8th floor. She had regained her composure but she was quiet. Opening the room he allowed her entry first. He didn't say anything about the king sized bed, he just rolled his suitcase to the luggage stand and hung his garment bag in the closet.
"Jess," he started. "Please don't be upset."
"I shouldn't have come. I shouldn't have forced my way into your trip." She was sitting on the bed staring at her hands. "It makes sense now. You don't want me here. I'm sorry, Seth. I'll leave in the morning. I can visit Virginia another time."
"Jess, I don't understand. Why are you so upset?" begged Seth.
Shaking her head, she stood up and went into the bathroom. Now Seth sat on the bed. What had he done? He reviewed the scene at the reservation desk and wanted to smack his forehead. Did he actually tell Jessica she couldn't stay in his room? He made it seem like she was imposing. He should have offered her his room and found another place for himself. He went to the bathroom door and knocked. "Jess?"
"I'll be out in a minute," she called, but he heard the wobble in her voice.
"Jess, let me in, please." The door opened and she moved to the sink and began washing her hands. Picking up a towel she dried them. "I am so sorry, Jess." He pulled her into his arms. "You are always welcome to stay with me."
She looked at him quickly then looked away. He saw her red eyes though. "I'm making a mess of today, Jess. Between the car trouble and the weather it's been a stressful drive. I was caught up in my grumpy ways. I want you here with me. I don't want you to think our relationship is a one way street. It's give and take, not take, take, take and never give to you, Jess." He risked holding her tighter. She felt so good in his arms.
"I was surprised that you vehemently protested wanting me in your room." she said softly. "So I thought maybe you made plans with someone here and I would be interfering." She blushed.
"What? No, no Jess," he denied. "Look, it's late, let's grab a bite and get a good night's sleep."
"I'll order room service for you, Seth." She left the bathroom and picked up the menu in the room. She picked at a salad when it arrived but Seth enjoyed a cheeseburger and fries.
Getting into bed was awkward for Seth. He would have packed a full set of pajamas had he known he would be sharing a bed. As it was, he was wearing a t-shirt and his pajama bottoms. Jessica had gotten into bed wearing a silky blue pajama set that hugged her curves in all the right places. It wasn't see through or outrageously sexy if on a hanger but on Jess it looked fabulous. Gosh darn, he never wore boxers with his pajamas at home but maybe he should have worn a pair with Jessica in the bed with him. He looked over at her but she seemed asleep. He didn't want to wake her. Oh well, he thought.
An hour later he was still trying to relax. It had been a long time since he shared a bed and Jessica was a restless sleeper. She had been quiet at first but now she was tossing every few minutes. She rolled over onto her side and now her head was on his pillow. Should he scoot over a little? It was a big bed but she was moving closer again. She whimpered a little as she struggled to get her arm beneath him but once successful she moaned lightly and wrapped her other arm around his waist.
"Jess, Jess," he whispered. "Can you move over a little. I need more room." He was such an idiot. He loved having her close but he knew his body would eventually pay attention and start responding.
"Mmmm Seth," she murmured, "You're so warm." She moved her head and tucked it beneath his neck.
He placed his hand on her arm and it was cold to the touch. He had turned down the temperature before he got into bed. Perhaps he turned it down too low. Pulling the covers up to his chest he covered her carefully. She snuggled further into him and he nearly groaned when her hand moved to his waistband. Her hand must be seeking more warmth because it found a way beneath his t-shirt and was rubbing his chest. Finally she was breathing deeper and he could tell she was in a restful sleep.
He opened his eyes hours later and Jessica was still beside him, her hand on his chest and her other arm tucked beneath him. He hoped she hadn't lost all feeling in her arm. It would have been nice to feel her so close to him if he wasn't having a battle with his body. Morning wood was natural but with her soft body pressed to his side he couldn't stop thinking about her. He was too warm but he didn't dare throw off the covers, it would wake her. He decided to just enjoy her for now. She might be embarrassed when she woke and discovered her position. He was wrong.
Jessica woke up an hour later. "Morning Seth," she mumbled. She kissed his cheek. "You make an excellent body pillow." She began moving her hand in circles on his chest.
"Jess, what are you doing?"
"I'm trying to go back to sleep. I don't have to wake early, you do." She lifted her head and smiled at him. "Unless there's something else you'd rather do?"
Seth couldn't tell if she was teasing or not but he got flustered. "Jess, why…are you…it's not appropriate to suggest something like that."
Jessica rose up and Seth had the perfect view down her pajama top. "What else do adults do in bed while they're awake? I told you I was trying to sleep." She smiled wider and he knew she was teasing now.
Deciding to tease her in return, Seth sat up and removed her hand from his chest before grabbing her sides and tickling her. Jess began laughing uncontrollably and begging him to stop which made him ease up a little before launching another attack.
"Say Uncle," he prodded.
"Never!" She laughed. She flipped over and tried tickling him but he wasn't sensitive and he laughed at her. Noting he was a difficult one, she raised his t-shirt and teased his nipple. It hardened immediately and she smiled at him before kissing it.
"Now Jess," he started, but she flicked her tongue and began kissing it with an open mouth.
"Say Uncle, Seth," she said devilishly.
Seth stopped breathing, at least he thought he had. Jessica was kissing his nipple and using her fingers on the other one. Realizing how dangerous it was, he tried to move her away but she resisted before climbing on top of him.
"Say Uncle," she said softly, scooting down further and allowing her chest to press against him. She started humming softly as he tried to stay in control but it was a losing battle.
"Don't be stubborn, Seth." she admonished him sweetly. "Oh!" she cried out as Seth flipped them and now he was on top.
"Now you say Uncle, Jess." He smiled at her in victory but his eyes widened as she pressed down on his bottom until they were touching hips.
She smiled now and moved her hips. "Great idea, Seth." She reached up and caressed his roughened cheek. "Your turn," she informed him.
Seth thought for a moment. There was a lot he wanted to do but he didn't want to take it too far. He looked at her chest heaving up and down. A braver man would place his hand there and kiss her like she did him but he wasn't that sure of himself. Placing his weight on his forearms he leaned forward and started nuzzling her neck. His alarm blared, spoiling the moment. Reaching over he silenced it.
Clear blue eyes stared up at him in question. "You win this time, woman," he declared. "I have to get ready." He groaned and rolled over onto his back dragging the sheet with him. He didn't want to leave the bed in his current condition.
"Are you going to shower?" She asked.
"In a minute," he answered.
"Are you waiting to invite me to join you?" she asked playfully.
"Now Jess, don't tease. You know you got me worked UP!" he exclaimed the last word, as her hand ghosted over the front of his pants.
"Now you're doing things I can't do to you. It's not fair, Jess."
She grinned at him again and Seth began planning his payback. She started laughing. "Are you trying to think of a way to get your revenge?"
"Yes woman," he answered.
"Then I may as well deserve it," she said as she climbed back on top of him and began peppering his face with kisses. Finally she stopped and looked deeply into his eyes before pressing her lips to his. Just a slight pressure before moving to his forehead, to his cheeks, and back to his lips. The tip of her tongue begged to enter and when he opened his mouth to protest, she entered and deepened the kiss.
Seth forgot about protesting and enjoyed it. Their bodies began moving, gently at first then firmer and faster. He was quickly losing control. It had been too long and his body wanted release. He dragged his lips away from hers.
"Jess, we have to stop," he pleaded. "I'm too close."
She ignored him and continued kissing his face, his neck, his shoulders, down to his chest. Then grinning up at him she slipped her hand into the front opening of his pants and encircled her hand around him.
It felt so good and Seth could no longer think clearly. Faster and faster until he lost all control. He was drained. He felt Jessica get up from the bed and go into the bathroom. His breathing slowed and reason returned to him. What had they just done?