Chapter One
George Sutherland was almost bouncing with anticipation. He would be spending a week with Jessica in Cabot Cove, Maine and she was letting him stay at her house. He wouldn't have to go to a hotel or Seth Hazlitt's house. He had no doubt he would be staying in her guest room and not her bedroom but he was still excited. His body thrummed and he thought of evenings sitting on the sofa, talking, and just being together. He told her not to make too many plans because the goal of this vacation was relaxation and spending time with each other.
Jessica was fairly excited as well. She hadn't seen George in nearly a year although they've been talking and emailing regularly. She was at the train station waiting on his arrival before they would rent a car and George would drive them home. She had arrived from New York by train over an hour ago but the wait was short and she couldn't stop smiling.
As soon as she saw him walking toward her she could barely stand still. He greeted her with a hug and kiss on the cheek and he picked up her overnight bag as well as his suitcase and she led him toward the car rental kiosk.
Within the hour they were on their way to Cabot Cove. They chattered about everything under the sun even though they had spoken three times in the past week.
As expected he was shown the guest room and he took the time to settle in, unpack, and store his suitcase under the bed. He went downstairs looking for her.
"I'm in the kitchen, George," she called out as she heard his footsteps on the stairs.
"Will I have to work for my supper?" he asked as she started chopping vegetables.
"I invited Seth, Mort, and Adele for dinner tonight. Seth is bringing a Fisherman's stew and Adele is bringing rolls and dessert so I thought I'd add a salad to round things out." Jessica brought out the makings for salad dressing and asked him to combine it and stir rapidly.
Dinner was a success. There was a lot of talking over each other and lots of laughter.
"What are you doing tomorrow?" asked Seth looking at George.
"I thought we'd have dinner at Chez Soeur, the French restaurant, but the day is free." He looked at Jessica. "I'm trying not to fill my time. I want to relax."
Jessica smiled at him. "I was hoping we could go to the Italian restaurant in town. The food is fabulous." Adele concurred and a discussion on Italian cuisine followed. "If we head out to the bay we can dig for clams tomorrow." She looked at George to see if he agreed.
George smiled. "Do you think we can do Italian another night?"
Jessica frowned slightly. "Well, of course, you're my guest if you'd rather French food, that's fine."
Seth started to laugh. "Better watch it, George." Mort nodded his head in agreement.
Jessica looked sharply at the men. "And what does that mean?"
"Mrs. F, it means if George knows what's good for him, he'll get a hankering for Italian food tomorrow." explained Mort. Seth chuckled along with him.
"I just thought he'd enjoy it." She looked at George. "We can do Italian another day, you're here all week." She pushed her pie around with her spoon.
The men started talking baseball while Jessica and Adele began making plans for things to do while George was in town.
Cleanup was quick with five sets of hands and soon Seth, Mort, and Adele were saying goodnight.
"It is still early. Why don't we take a walk?" asked Jessica.
George wanted to do nothing else but crawl into bed. He was still in London's time zone and it was well after two AM for him. Being a gentleman, he acquiesced and they took a stroll around the neighborhood.
Two days later, he was fairly tired. Jessica was filling their days with activities and people were constantly coming over to the house to greet him. Twice he told Jessica he would rather not go out and relax instead but she was determined to fill every minute of the day.
Seth dropped in for breakfast the following morning and George looked tired.
"Having trouble keeping up with Jessica?" he asked with a smile.
George shrugged. "Does she always like to have her own way?"
"Ayuh, she isn't going to relinquish any decision making to you." He informed George.
"Seth Hazlitt!" exclaimed Jessica coming up behind them. "How can you say that? We've been doing what George wants." She looked over at George for agreement.
It was silent for a few seconds.
Noticing the tension in the room increasing, Seth decided to make a hasty exit. He excused himself and walked out smiling. George was in for it now.
"Lass, I told you I wanted to relax but you haven't let me sit down for fifteen minutes since I arrived. You wake me early, run me around all day, keep me out late, it's like you aren't giving me a chance to relax."
"You aren't here very long, I guess I'm just trying to make this visit a good one." she wrinkled her nose. "You aren't having a good time?"
"I just want to spend time with you, lass. I don't need to meet the entire population of Cabot Cove or eat out at every establishment. I'm fine with a sandwich and a beer." he shrugged his shoulders. "I know you have a hard time letting someone else make plans so let's just enjoy the day."
"What are you talking about? I've let you make plans." She frowned at him and started thinking.
"No, you've made all the plans so far. We never even went to the French restaurant we agreed to go to and went to the Italian place you wanted to go." he disagreed.
"But you said you loved the food," she complained.
"Yes, I did but that's not the point." he started but then stopped. He didn't want to argue.
"Then what is the point?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"Lass, let's not fight. What's next on the agenda?" He offered her a smile but her face had turned stony.
"Why don't you just decide since I'm obviously doing everything wrong."
"Well, I wouldn't mind making use of that hammock in your backyard and doing a little reading," he suggested while ignoring her bad mood. "Your garden is lovely and it is a nice and sunny day.
"If you're sure," agreed Jessica dubiously.
They spent a pleasant morning in the backyard and after lunch George announced he would take a nap. Jessica did some chores while he napped and was going to decide about dinner but thought she would wait for George.
He came downstairs feeling refreshed and told Jessica he would like to grill their dinner. He didn't get the opportunity often and she had a grill.
Jessica had to admit that it was an enjoyable afternoon and dinner was just the ticket to make it a successful day. George was a good cook, at least at grilling, and the steak and lobster tails were the best she had in a long while.
He suggested watching a movie after they cleaned up and Jessica began to get nervous.
She had been trying to keep their days full because too much time alone might get her in trouble. George was a good kisser, too good. Sitting on the sofa with him was asking for trouble.
Turning on the tv she thought he'd like one of the Marvel movies as there was a lot of action in those but within minutes he was turning to one of her favorite romantic movies.
She looked at him in question. "You have it saved as one of your favorites and I've never seen it." Of course, there was plenty of action of the romantic variety in the movie and it made Jessica anxious. She kept getting up, to make popcorn, to get drinks, to get a refill, to visit the bathroom.
George noticed she was nervous and popping up and down and not settling into a cuddle with him. He finally stopped her from rising and tucked her under his arm. It took a few minutes but she started to relax.
Jessica was leaning her head on George's shoulder, watching one of her favorite movies, and trying not to focus on his hand finger-walking up her arm. She was not surprised when his hand lifted her chin and his lips covered hers.
This was not where she needed to be but it was exactly where she wanted to be. As their kisses increased in intensity, her mind was telling her to keep in control, no matter how good it feels, staying in control was necessary.
She wrenched her lips away and tried to calm her breathing. Glancing at the screen she noticed the credits rolling. "The movie's over," she breathed.
"We can watch the next one," he whispered before kissing her neck.
"George, stop." Jessica put her hand on his chest as if to halt his advance.
George immediately stopped and looked at her.
"I think I'd like to go to bed." she stood.
He stood as well and wrapped his arms around her. "Darling, what a wonderful surprise." He was kissing behind her ear and she nearly moaned. He lifted her up and she immediately reacted.
"Please George, put me down." He settled her feet on the floor and released her.
"I didn't mean for you to take me to bed, I meant to go to bed for the night, to sleep, not to um, you know." Her eyes were wide as she watched him.
He couldn't quite mask the disappointment on his face quickly enough but within a second or two he smiled and said, "Of course. Pleasant dreams."
She walked up the stairs slowly. He didn't follow.
She was up early the next morning baking scones. George could get them any time in London but she thought a taste of home might be welcome to him.
He came down in a shirt and shorts, greeted her, announced he was going for a run, and would be back soon.
Jessica nibbled her lips. He had greeted her good morning but was out the door so fast she didn't have time to respond. Seth joined her a few minutes later and she offered him a scone with his coffee.
"What's wrong, Jess."
"Nothing is wrong, per se." admitted Jessica. "I just…"
"I saw George running down the road." offered Seth.
"He wanted to go for a run," said Jessica.
"I'll bet," smirked Seth.
"What does that mean?" asked Jessica.
"Not for me to say," said Seth. "Mmmm these are good, Jess."
"Tell me, Seth."
"Nope, this is one time you'll have to figure it out yourself." he smiled. "Did you ever let poor George have his day of relaxation."
She nodded yes. "Yesterday, he lounged around almost all day but he said he enjoyed it." She sighed. "I guess we'll do more of the same today."
"He just wants to spend time with you, Jess." Seth looked at her. "Isn't that what you want too?"
"It's not all he wants." she said standing and taking her plate to the sink.
"Hence the running," stated Seth baldly.
"You don't understand, Seth."
"Sure I do. I'm a red-blooded male." Seth stood and took his things to the sink and let her wash them. "You women like to be in control. A poor man doesn't stand a chance."
"What do you mean, control? We're more of a partnership." She was ready to argue the point.
"Maybe on the planet where you live, it's a partnership but from what I can see. You call all the shots, the when, the where, the what, definitely the who. Hmm, I guess I need a why." Seth chuckled, "I should have invited him to stay with me. Less opportunity for frustration."
They argued until George returned and the kitchen immediately went silent.
"I'll shower so you can continue with your disagreement." He hurried up the stairs and soon they heard the shower start.
Jessica was nibbling her lips again.
"I'm sure he didn't lock the door, Jess. Why don't you join him?" Seth smiled broadly at her. "Hey, I found the why. I'll see you later, Jess. Patients to see and all that." Seth left and Jessica sat at the table thinking.
She jumped up when George entered the kitchen and hustled about fixing him scones and offering him coffee or tea.
"George, do you think I have control issues?" she turned to look at him.
"Yes," he answered immediately.
"Well, take your time and think it over," she snarked. She sighed. "Sorry, I just didn't expect an answer so quickly."
"Lass, some people have to be in control, either for the power it gives or the fear of losing their hold."
"You think I want power?"
"No, I think you fear losing control. Why else do you orchestrate your day by the minute?"
"That's not true," she started.
"Jessie, you've been single for a few years now, used to making all the decisions for yourself and now it's bled over into all areas," he stated. "You love to get me heated up then pour on the cold water, sometimes I think you do it just because you can."
"I'm not sure I'm ready yet. That's all." she spoke so low he barely heard her.
"Then say no more." he said agreeably.
That evening after dinner they played a game of chess then settled in front of the tv so George could watch a soccer match and she did some reading. When the match finally ended it was late so he walked her to her room, kissed her cheek goodnight, and turned in for the night.
He went for a run the next morning and Seth entered the kitchen barely suppressing a smile. The laughter was in his eyes though.
"You better not let Eve run into George. Either of them could combust." He picked up a mug and filled it with coffee. Her silence caused him to look at her.
"It isn't any of my business, Jess," he began.
"You're right. It isn't," she responded tartly. She began writing a grocery list.
Seth walked over and put his hands on her shoulders.
"Just talk to the man about it, Jess." He gave her shoulders a squeeze. "If he's as great as you say, he won't disappoint but it's been years of you wagging your tail and he comes running only for you to yank his leash."
"I do not appreciate your canine analogy, Seth."
Seth raised his eyebrows at her. "If you're scared, tell him. If you really don't want to…then tell him so he knows. The poor man looks like he's training for the Olympics. That's all I'm going to say. Want a lift to the store?"
Jessica shook her head no. "George and I can pick up groceries. It isn't much."
Seth left a few minutes later and Jessica sat and thought about George. She is always so excited to see him. Why can't things…Goodness! She propped one arm on the table and covered her eyes with her hand. Was she really so controlling that she couldn't just relax and see what happens?
But you know what will happen, she thought to herself. George was the only person to scale the wall she put around herself. He loved her. He expressed it well enough. It wasn't that she was incapable of feeling desire for him. That was part of the problem. Her thoughts were interrupted by the return of George.
He was soaked with sweat and very red faced.
"George! You're overdoing it!" She rose and went to his side.
"It's fine, lass. I'll go shower." He trudged up the stairs slowly and Jessica looked worried after he left. Keeping an ear out for the shower to cut off, she went about making breakfast for George.
When he came down, he picked at his eggs and ate a couple of bites of toast.
"Not hungry?" she asked, setting a cup of tea beside him. She sat down to watch him eat.
"Would you like to do anything in particular today?" she asked.
"I wouldn't mind taking the paper out to the hammock again," answered George. "If there's anything you need to do we can do it this afternoon."
She nodded abstractly. She looked up to find him staring at her.
"What is it, lass?"
"When you came out here, this time, were you expecting us to become lovers?" She couldn't help the blush that enveloped her.
"No, I never thought you'd agree to that, not to say I didn't hope." He had a puzzled expression on his face. "I'm not pressuring you to go against your wishes, am I?"
"Noooo," she drawled out slowly. "You've been running.." she trailed off.
"I run so I won't feel guilty lying about all day," he explained jokingly.
She searched his face for the truth but she wasn't sure. George rose and put his plate in the sink. Back at the table he nursed his cup of silence wasn't their usual comfortable one but a tense one.
"Just say it, Jess." At her questioning look he explained, "There's obviously something on your mind."
"No, I've got nothing on my mind," she denied.
"Then I'll head out with the paper," suggested George.
She sat at the table watching George lie in the hammock reading.
Maybe they should have gone away. There are plenty of places to visit in America. Why limit themselves to Cabot Cove, to her house?
That made her pause. It seemed like she wanted to keep him busy so he wouldn't have time to think about being with her. Was she running from him? Trying to shake her thoughts she got up but nervous energy kept her from getting much accomplished. As soon as she started one thing, she would hop up and start something else.
She went upstairs to her bedroom and picked up the photo of Frank she kept next to her bed. He was her only lover and she wasn't certain she could replace him.
But was it replacing him or just adding another person completely in her life? George lost his wife and he didn't seem bothered adding Jessica to however many partners he's had.
She trusted George, enough to know he wouldn't intentionally hurt her. Even if her lovemaking lacked his skills, he wouldn't run out shouting it in anguish to the world. She would be embarrassed though. It was the vulnerability, maybe? Could she be vulnerable with him?
She went outside. "George?"
He opened his eyes and she could see how tired he looked. "Aye, lass," he replied
"Would you like to take a drive this afternoon? Maybe stop at a beach for a swim? It's going to get hotter."
He sat up in the hammock, perfectly balanced and she wondered how he did it. She always flipped it over. "That's a grand idea. Why don't we pack a lunch and head over early so we have more time to relax at the beach?"
She smiled in agreement.
She went inside and packed a picnic basket and a cooler then went upstairs to put on her swimsuit underneath a sundress. Casual sandals, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a book filled her tote bag.
Ninety minutes later, George was prepared as well and they were off to a lazy day at the beach. And it was a lazy day. They lay beneath an umbrella on a blanket and didn't move for the first hour. George drifted off to sleep after lunch and Jessica read her book. They walked along the shore getting their feet wet until George convinced her to get into the water.
They stayed until sunset before rinsing off and dressing, making their clothing damp as their swimsuits were still beneath their clothing. It was a warm evening so they drove with the windows down to catch the breeze and not bother with air conditioning. George kept both hands on the steering wheel but occasionally moved his hand to squeeze hers.
Once home, George unpacked the car and tidied up while Jessica showered. Locking up downstairs and turning off lights, he went up to grab his pajamas and take his shower. Jessica was just leaving the bathroom as he entered the hall and it was pretty obvious where his mind went.
She was dressed in her favorite pink robe that was belted at the waist but parted at the legs and they were long legs. Nicely firm, long legs. Legs he would love to run his hand up and down.
Jessica blushed. She could practically read his mind. She moved aside so he could enter the bathroom and he gave her an appreciative look before closing the door.
She wasn't in the mood for tv but she went downstairs just to make sure everything was put away. When finished, she sat on the sofa. She turned on the stereo and music had her swaying softly. Minutes later George came downstairs in his robe and pajamas and helped her from the sofa. Now they were swaying together, not speaking.
After several songs he took her back to the sofa and they sat, speaking occasionally but mostly in a relaxed peaceful silence neither felt the need to break. Jessica was drifting off to sleep and George shook her slightly. "Ready for bed, lass?"
"Let's just stay here, George," she murmured. She was so relaxed, so comfortable and in his arms that she didn't want to separate, not now.
He got comfortable and stretched out while she lay on her side tucked against the sofa. Maybe it was too much sun or too much activity but she was asleep in minutes. He lay awake for a long time, holding her, then dreaming.