Chapter 1

Jessica smoothed her skirt as she rose from the couch in her well-appointed suite. She paused in front of a mirror, where she checked her hair and decided to reapply her lipstick. Rummaging through her purse, she found the tube of lipstick in its pocket. Pursing her lips in the mirror, she freshened her lipstick, pressed her lips together, then popped the lipstick back in her purse, which she settled on her shoulder, and made her way to the lobby.

As the elevator made its smooth journey to the ground floor, Jessica smiled to herself as she recalled Seth's excitement about their trip, his pilgrimage, really, to Nashville.

"Oh, Jess, we're going to have a wonderful time in Music City!"

"We usually do have a wonderful time when we travel together, don't we?"

"Of course, Jess, but this is different." She'd seldom seen him so excited. He'd spent years trying to turn her into a country music fan, and she'd stubbornly resisted, or so he said. He was confident that she would fall in love with the genre when she heard that wonderful music spilling out of the honky tonks up and down Broadway. "We'll be in Nashville, home of country music. The Grand Ole Opry! Who knows who might show up that night!" He looked momentarily alarmed. "You did get tickets, didn't you?"

Jessica smiled. This was only the third or fourth time he'd asked about the tickets. "Yes, Seth," she answered patiently. "I told you, I gave Vaughn the list of places you wanted to visit and he made all the arrangements. We have tickets for the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night. He assured me that it was the best night to see the show." Seth was as excited as a child for Christmas, and seeing him so happy gladdened Jessica's heart.

"Now what's your schedule again?"

"I'm lecturing at Vanderbilt all week. I'll finish up Friday around 3. I have a book signing at a local bookstore Thursday night. You'll fly in that afternoon…right after my lecture and just before the book signing." She looked at him quizzically. "I hope you'll want to go?"

"Of course! I've never been to one of your book signings. I've never been to a book signing, as a matter of fact. I'm looking forward to it!"

"I understand this bookstore has a café upstairs. At least you've got somewhere you can go if you get bored."

Seth beamed at her. "I won't get bored, woman! I need to pick up a copy of your latest book, anyway." He smiled slyly at her. "Maybe you'll sign it for me?"

The sound of Jessica's merry laughter pealed through her kitchen.

The elevator's bell brought her back to the present. She nodded at the elevator attendant as she threaded her way through the crowded lobby. She found a seat near the entrance and settled in to wait. She checked her watch; they still had plenty of time to relax and freshen up before the signing at 6:30. Vaughn had insisted that she stay at Loew's Vanderbilt because it was so conveniently located. The hotel was within walking distance of the lecture hall, and she'd understood that the bookstore was only a fifteen-minute drive, depending on the traffic.

Nashville was a charming town, a pleasant mix of urban and down-home charm. She was looking forward to seeing more of the city with Seth as her guide.

"Speak of the devil," she murmured as she spied him walking in. "Seth," she called as she rose from her seat. Here goes nothing, Jess. He smiled and made his way over to her eagerly. "Welcome to Music City, y'all." Seth laughed as he kissed her on the cheek.

"Is that the royal y'all?" answered Seth. "Never mind. I'm just so proud to be here!" At Jessica's blank stare, he replied impatiently. "Minnie Pearl? Aww, Jess. You haven't done a bit of research." He harrumphed. "With any luck, we'll see her Saturday night."

Jessica patted his arm soothingly. "I thought the purpose of this weekend was for you to teach me everything I ought to know about country music."

Seth smiled. "I like the sound of that! Let me check in and freshen up, then we'll go over to your book signing. Maybe we could get a little something to eat along the way?" He asked hopefully.

"About that.." Jessica began.

"What?"

"Well, there's been a bit of a mix-up about your reservation."

"Mix-up? I'll just go talk to one of those clerks and get this straightened out right now."

"You don't have a room," Jessica blurted.

"What?!"

She put a hand on his arm. "It's alright, Seth."

"How can it be alright, Jess? I don't have a room. What am I gonna do? Where am I gonna sleep?"

"With me," Jess said calmly.

"What?!" Seth sputtered. "I can't do that!"

"Of course you can. Vaughn reserved a suite for me. It has two bedrooms and two baths. There's plenty of room for us both." Seth looked uncertain. "You don't mind staying with me, do you?"

The way she looked at him! He could almost believe she meant…but never mind. "Nooo, I suppose not. I mean, I would have my own room and bath." He let out a breath. "Alright, Jess. You've got yourself a roommate." He smiled tentatively and hoped he wouldn't come to regret this.

He never knew quite where he stood with Jessica. He was important to her, he knew that. She loved him, in her way. He knew that, too. He'd tried to broach the subject with her before, but she seemed to sense what he was trying to say and always managed to evade the conversation. Maybe this weekend will be different. His heart lifted foolishly.

"Are you alright, Seth?"

"Who me?" he boomed. "Just fine, woman. Lead the way." He smiled in what he hoped was his normal manner and followed in her wake.

Seth whistled softly as he followed Jessica into the suite. "This is nice, Jess!"

Jessica smiled modestly. "Vaughn knew you were meeting me down here. I think he must have wanted to impress you."

Seth barked a laugh. "Well, it worked!" He looked around the suite. "Which way is my room?"

Jessica pointed. "It's on the other side of the living room. Mine is right here." She turned and pointed at the room behind her.

"How much time do we have, Jess?"

"We've got about two hours before we have to be at the bookstore."

"Good! Time for a quick dinner?"

"I think so. There's an Italian restaurant I've been told is quite good, and we can walk there. It's a pleasant evening."

"Sounds good to me. I'll be ready in a jiffy."

Jessica smiled as she watched him enter his room. She was relieved by how well he'd taken the news about his room. He could be so prickly about, well propriety, she supposed. She was happy that he'd decided to accept the situation rather than letting it spoil their time together.

She was a little nervous about his attending her book signing. She would read a few pages of the first chapter and take some questions from the audience, then settle in for the signing. She hoped it wouldn't be too awkward.

"Ready, Jess?"

"Ready," she trilled as Seth took her arm and escorted her out of their suite.

They had a pleasant meal at Ciraco's, where Seth excitedly pointed out that Chet Atkins* was seated in a booth not far from their table.

"Chet Atkins," he hissed. "Mr. Guitar?" He shook his head in mild disgust. "Only one of the greatest country musicians of all time!"

Jessica smiled. "Just as soon as I finish my last lecture, I promise I'll give you my full attention. You can educate me on the finer points of country music's style and musicianship."

Seth waved his fork at her. "Make fun all you want, Jess, but if I don't make a fan of you by Sunday, I'll eat a tablespoon of Mississippi mud."

"Nashville sits on the Cumberland River, Seth," said Jessica, barely able to maintain her composure.

"Cumberland mud, then."

"You're on!"

"What will you have to do if I succeed in making you a fan?"

Jessica held his eyes with a mischievous look. "I'm not sure. What would you have me do?"

There she was. He wondered when flirty Jess would make an appearance. He loved all the different Jessicas, even JB (although that might be closer to a grudging admiration rather than love), but flirty Jessica was his favorite, even though she broke his heart. He sighed. That was the price he paid to be in her company, and he paid it willingly. But tonight, they were in a paradise of sorts, away from all the usual prying eyes, and they were even sharing a suite. Life was pretty good, even he had to admit. "I'm not sure. Maybe eat some definitively Southern food, like chitterlings*.

"What are those?"

"Trust me. You don't want to know." He winked at her. "Easier just to become a country music fan. We'll start with some of the queens of country: Loretta, Dolly, Tammy, and of course Patsy." He eyed her sharply. "Don't ask. What time is your lecture over?"

"It's from 1-3 tomorrow afternoon."

"Good. Your indoctrination will begin then." Jessica laughed heartily. "I should have rented a car while I was at the airport. I don't think Nashville is a very walkable city."

Jessica patted his hand. "We can do that tomorrow, if you like. In the meantime," she glanced at her watch, "I wonder if our waiter might call for a taxi to meet us here. I wouldn't mind getting there a few minutes early. I do hate to be late."

Seth signaled to their waiter, who agreed to phone a taxi for them and bring them their check. "I'm looking forward to seeing you at work, Jess."

"You see me at work all the time! In fact, more often than not, you're haranguing me about working too hard."

"Working the crowd, then. I'm looking forward to that." And he smiled appreciatively at her. "I failed to mention how lovely you look tonight." He was pleased to see her color slightly. "It's true," he said gruffly.

"Thank you, Seth," she said softly.

Seth spied the waiter as he approached the table with their bill. "I'll take that, son," he said.

"Seth, you don't—"

"Nonsense, woman!" he boomed. At the look on her face, he softened. "It's my pleasure to take you out for a meal."

Jessica's heart fluttered absurdly, but she pressed on. "But Seth, I invited you down here as my guest."

"And I'm having a wonderful time already. I'm also taking care of this bill."

Jessica knew that mulish look and swallowed the argument she was about to make. "Alright, Seth," she said in an unusually docile tone. He looked askance at her, and they both laughed.

Seth opened the door to their suite and gestured for Jessica to enter. "I thought tonight was a big success."

"Mm," Jessica agreed. "Thelma certainly seemed to think so."

"Thelma's one of the owners, isn't she?"

"Yes, she and Karen own the bookstore. There's one in Memphis, too, I believe."

Seth smiled. "Too bad we don't have time to visit Graceland." He looked at Jessica. "Don't tell me you don't know what Graceland is."

Jessica rolled her eyes. "I'm too tired to even make a joke about it." She yawned, then looked stricken. "Oh, Seth," she said apologetically. It's your first night in Nashville, too."

"Don't you worry about that, woman. I could do with a good night's sleep myself."

"I have an idea! Why don't we get ready for bed and meet back here for a nightcap?"

Seth looked at her quizzically. "You sure, Jess?"

She clapped her hands together in childlike glee. "It'll be just like a slumber party!" She laughed. "Oh, Seth. You should see the look on your face!"

"Best I recall," he said gruffly, "slumber parties weren't co-ed."

She walked over to him and reached for his hand. "We're on vacation, Seth. Let's live a little."

How could he resist that bewitching smile? He couldn't, and they both knew it. Still, he couldn't give in too easily. "You're not on vacation yet, woman," he groused, then squeezed her hand. "But I'll meet you back here in two shakes."

Jessica smiled as she walked to her bedroom.

Seth was poking around the room, looking for glasses and anything he thought might resemble the makings of a nightcap. He hadn't noticed the basket of comestibles on the table when he'd first arrived. He was examining its contents when Jessica emerged from her bedroom.

"I see you found the basket," she said lightly.

He turned, but the words caught in his throat. He was in his comfortable threadbare pajamas and an ancient flannel robe. It still has some life in it, he thought stubbornly. Jessica was wearing a royal blue robe that made her eyes look like sapphires, and the less he thought about that neckline, the better. "A-yuh," he said gruffly and turned back to the basket.

"Isn't there a bottle of wine in there? "We could open that." She came up behind him and he felt a frisson of excitement at her proximity. "Did you find the glasses?" Seth swore he could feel her warm breath against his neck. What was she doing? Did she know what she was doing?

"No, I didn't see those. I went straight for the basket."

Jessica laughed, a light easy laugh that made him feel like all was right between them. He loved that laugh, loved that feeling. She went to the small bar and retrieved two wine glasses and rummaged around until she found a corkscrew. "Success," she crowed, and Seth smiled to see her so lighthearted. She handed him the corkscrew, and he had the bottle opened and two glasses poured in short order. She led them to the couch, where they sat across from one another. Jessica took a sip of wine. "This is quite good, I think."

"Is it?" Seth took a tentative sip. "I'll admit I don't know much about wine."

"What do you prefer to drink?"

"I was never much of a drinker…always wanted to be available in case someone needed me. I like the occasional beer and there are a few cocktails I like. I wouldn't mind a Jack Daniels while I'm here."

"That's whiskey, yes?"

He smiled companionably at her. "Yes, indeed. Distilled just a few miles down the road, as I understand it. So your preference leans toward wine?" This conversation was beginning to feel stilted, even as they appeared to be relaxed and comfortable in their pajamas. What was happening?

Jessica smiled. "I'm not much of a drinker, either, as you know. But I think yes, I prefer wine to beer or hard liquor. My father had something of a rule about that. He seldom talked of it, but his father was a terrible alcoholic."

"I'm sorry, Jess."

"Oh, don't be!" she said breezily. "I did some research for one of my earliest books"

"A Faded Rose Beside Her," Seth interjected idly.

"Why, yes," said Jessica faintly. "I never knew you were such a careful reader of my work."

"I just remembered is all," he said brusquely. "You were saying?"

"Only that the behavior of adult children of alcoholics varies widely, but my brothers and I were lucky. My father prized order and discipline." She noticed Seth's concerned glance. "Not to excess, though. He never permitted alcohol in our home growing up, and I never saw him take a drop."

"What was your father's rule?"

"I remember he told Frank something like "Lips that touch alcohol will never touch Jessie's." She smiled at the memory. "Frank wasn't a drinker either. Social, I suppose, but Father grew to love Frank so dearly that he rarely if ever commented on it."

"Frank was good with people. He had the gift of the gab, no mistake."

"He did." Jessica chuckled. "He never met a stranger."

"You're the same way, Jess."

"Who me? No, no. I'm nothing like that. Not nearly as outgoing as Frank was."

"Perhaps not," Seth mused, "but you seldom meet a stranger. People are drawn to you." He trailed off, lost in thought for a moment. She'd certainly drawn him to her. She was the flame he simply couldn't resist. He'd follow her anywhere.

She shifted on the couch and moved, seemingly imperceptibly, closer to him.

Suddenly the air felt charged between them. Seth wanted to kiss her, was desperate to kiss her, but he was afraid, too. So often Jess gave him mixed signals. At times, she was tender and loving, others blatantly flirtatious, and then she could turn almost blandly congenial, treating him as she did nearly everyone else in Cabot Cove. He didn't know much about her personal life, but those episodes seemed to coincide with book tours, visits to her publisher, fancy events on the arm of some handsome, wealthy gentleman. Those were long nights, waiting for what he thought of as his Jess to return. But who was his Jess anyway? What could he ever hope to be to her? What could he offer her?

"Penny for your thoughts, Seth?" she asked softly.

Seth started; he hadn't realized how long the silence between them had extended. "Just thinking about what we should do tomorrow. Speaking of, we ought to get to bed. I'm tired and I'm sure you are. You've been doing all the work."

Jessica sighed inwardly. This was proving to be harder than she'd anticipated. No matter. They still had several days together. She'd try a different tack tomorrow. She patted his hand gently. "I think you're right. A good night's sleep would do us both good." She rose from the couch and waited for Seth to do the same. "Good night, Seth." She leaned in to kiss him on the cheek, then turned smartly and headed for her bedroom.

Seth watched as she closed her bedroom door behind her, then cursed himself for his inability to act. Well. He'd watch her carefully tomorrow. No telling which Jess would make an appearance.

A/N: Hope you enjoy this short, multi-chapter fic devoted to Seth's love of country music and my love of Nashville.

Davis-Kidd was our beloved bookstore, and Thelma Kidd was one of the owners. Vanderbilt Loews is the swanky hotel where all the celebs stay when they come to town.

*My mom took me to dinner at Ciraco's for my 20th birthday, and sure enough, Chet Atkins was sitting at the booth catty-corner to our table. In that real-life scenario, I was Jess. But I never forgot the experience.

*Chitterlings - pronounced chitlins - is not for the faint-hearted...seriously do not look it up if you are at all squeamish. My grandfather loved them. They came in a 5-gallon bucket. No way did I ever take one bite. I usually stayed outside while they were being prepared and consumed.