Chapter Two
Jessica woke up cuddled in George's arms. She looked around without moving. They hadn't done anything! She looked at George wondering if he was upset but he was sleeping peacefully. The stubble on his chin was endearing to her. She couldn't ever recall seeing him first thing in the morning, or at least before he shaved.
She moved her hand across his stomach, exploring. She slipped her hand into his robe and beneath his pajama top and touched his skin. He shuddered when her finger crossed his navel and started lower. She paused for a moment then gathered her courage and continued exploring.
"Darling, as much as I want to go further, I'd prefer not having to stop once you've worked me up." He kissed the top of her head and placed his hand over hers.
"I don't know how far I'm comfortable going but I would like to see," she admitted.
He smiled and opened his robe further.
Jessica found herself blushing while in the shower. They had barely made it past second base but George seemed pleased. She didn't remove her nightwear but she let him do a little exploring as well. She had been frustrated when he wouldn't kiss her as deeply as she wanted but he explained he wasn't made of steel despite evidence to the contrary.
They lazed about the house most of the day before George surprised her by ordering and picking up a pizza for dinner. Seth entered hesitantly while George was out.
"Is it safe to enter?" he called out.
"Yes, Seth," Jessica was making a salad to go along with the pizza. "George went to get a pizza. You're welcome to join us."
"And will I find a relaxed and satisfied George?" he teased.
"I rescind my invitation to dinner, Seth." Jessica stopped slicing cucumbers and turned to him. "This time and only this time I'll say something. No, we didn't but we talked things out, really talked and we're both in a better place now."
"None of my business Jess," he noted before kissing her cheek. "I'm happy you straighten things out."
"Hey, who's kissing my girl?" George entered with the pizza and a six pack.
They settled at the table and started eating. The atmosphere was relaxed and while Jessica cleaned up, George and Seth started a chess match. It was close, very close, but Seth won in the end and George called him unflattering names in Gaelic which had Seth roaring with laughter.
"You didn't know my grandfather was a Scot, did you?" Seth tried to stifle his laugh. "The other three grandparents were from good British stock but Hazlitt is a Scottish name."
"I always knew there was something redeemable about you," joked George.
Seth stayed another hour before departing saying he had an early morning patient. Jessica and George sat on the couch in the family room.
"After I leave, I hope I won't have to wait another year to see you again." He put his arm around her and leaned her against him.
"Actually I have a meeting in London with my publisher in October. I could tack on a few days at the end of my meetings." She glanced to gauge his reaction. "Maybe I can stay with you instead of the Savoy?"
He looked at her in surprise. "Of course, love. Hopefully my job won't send me off somewhere."
They made tentative plans for her to come out for a week to ten days in October and he promised that even if she were writing another book, he would try to come out in January when things slow down after the Christmas holidays.
They snuggled on the couch again while she read a book and he watched a rugby game he found. Jessica wanted to invite him to sleep in her bedroom but hesitated and he ended up in the guest room. If he was disappointed, she couldn't tell. She tossed and turned for an hour before climbing out of bed. She stood outside his door for a few minutes but didn't have the courage to go inside. Instead she went downstairs to the kitchen and put the kettle on.
George joined her a few minutes later.
He sat at the table and held her hand. "It is perfectly fine that you couldn't come in and join me," he stated. At her look, he explained. "I heard you get up and saw your shadow beneath the door."
"You must think me silly."
"No, I think you haven't been in this situation before and are unsure of yourself, of me maybe." George patted her hand. "We are moving forward, my dear. There's been progress on the physical front and I believe we are developing a deeper relationship. I enjoy time with you even if we're just relaxing."
Jessica was able to smile and reassure him. "Yes, George. We certainly are." He stood and helped her from the table.
"Don't fret, Jessica. It will happen when it happens." They walked up the stairs and he turned toward her bedroom door. "Why don't we try that diner you said was famous for their pancakes." He kissed her softly on her forehead and said goodnight."
Jessica was sitting up in bed. She wanted to go to George. She just didn't have the courage. Maybe he would think her too forward? Or maybe she was just cowardly.
A little tapping on her door had her calling for George to come in.
"Are you keeping your light on all night?" he asked. He moved into the room and closed the door behind him. "I've been trying to let you work it out on your own but I've been thinking. We're in this together so I should help you."
He removed his pajamas and stood before her in only a pair of boxer shorts. They had already reached the point where she wasn't too concerned with HIS attire and since he preferred sleeping nude it was a compromise. Pulling back the covers he got into bed and rolled onto his side, facing her. "It's well after midnight, let's get some sleep."
Jessica snuggled down beneath the covers before turning out her lamp and scooting closer to George. She tried closing off her mind but with George right beside her, she could only think of him. Within ten minutes the urge to touch him grew. She began kissing his chest and neck and he let her. When she reached his lips however he took charge and soon the sound of heavy breathing filled the room. Jessica couldn't remember why she was so reluctant to be closer to George, not when he was kissing her and running his hands over her body.
George began to slow his kisses across her body, they were at the point where Jessica usually began to stall but she didn't stop him. She seemed to be encouraging him if the sounds she was making were any indication. Feeling free to continue but wanting to confirm and give her the opportunity to stop, he whispered, "Darling, let me make love to you." She moaned and rubbed herself against him. That sounds like a yes, reasoned George. He began with renewed interest and it only took moments for her to go over the edge. Always the gentleman, he thought of her satisfaction before his own. He began to lose himself in sensations and was poised to enter but somewhere through the haze he heard, "George, please stop." It took a few seconds to comprehend what was being said but he stopped and looked at her in bewilderment. He tried to control his breathing and eased off her.
"Could we talk for a minute?" He just stared in confusion. "I want to talk about us, I mean where we're going after, you know, …what's the plan?"
George slipped out of the bed and went to the bathroom. He had to calm down or go back and throttle her. It wasn't her reluctance to make love. It was her reluctance to make love to HIM. It wasn't just disappointment that caused a stone to drop in the pit of his stomach. Jessica was fighting battles with herself just to be with him. Somehow she couldn't find the words to tell him they should just be friends. Tears dripped down his cheeks as he reached the conclusion that they weren't going to be anything but friends at best.
George stayed in the bathroom until he was calm and a weariness was beginning to seep into his bones. A lesser man would be angry but he couldn't find it in himself to be angry at her. She didn't want to make the decision so he'll do it for her. He acknowledged the hurt he felt inside. Rejection is rarely pleasant but to go through life without pain wasn't possible. He wished he had his clothes with him but he left the bathroom and went into the guest room for another pair of pajamas.
Closing the door, he pulled on the second pair of pajamas he brought from home. Tired, George crawled into bed and slept.
The pounding of heavy footsteps coming up the stairs woke George and he was beginning to sit up when Seth burst into the room. His reflexes kicked in when Seth's fist came toward his face and he leapt off the bed ready to defend himself. Seth's wild swing however made him fall onto the bed and he popped up, out of breath.
"I told you not to hurt her!" shouted Seth.
"What could I have possibly done to hurt her? George asked coldly and calmly.
"She wasn't ready to have sex with you." yelled Seth.
"Then it's a good thing she didn't." answered George looking for his robe. Not finding it, he gave up and went to the bathroom. Taking a quick shower and shave, he returned to find Seth still in the room, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"She's downstairs crying her eyes out." announced Seth. "You hurt her."
"I'm not going to discuss it with you, Seth. I don't care what she tells you but I don't wish to talk about it." George didn't feel it was any of Seth's business but he understood he was a great friend to Jessica. "I'll only tell you we didn't have sex." He began to toss clothes into his suitcase along with his toiletries and shoes in any manner.
"You're going to leave? Seth asked, still inflamed with George.
George looked at Seth and closed his eyes. When he opened them, Seth could see tears but George blinked them away. "Just a day early, I'll spend the day somewhere and leave as planned tomorrow."
Seth was confused. George appeared hurt but what was going on? "Talk to her, George."
"No, I can't talk anymore." Grabbing his suitcase, knowing he left items behind but she could throw them out, he walked downstairs. Jessica was in the kitchen. She didn't appear to be crying at least. She knew he was standing there but she didn't turn around. She just kept looking at his reflection in the window.
"I know you'd rather I hurry and go so I'll just say, you still have the power in this relationship, such as it is. If you'd rather I not pursue you any longer, let me know now." Silence.
"I don't know if you just wanted to see how far you can push me or if you'd rather not venture any further in our relationship but the ball is in your court. I won't bother you otherwise. Thank you for the accommodations and stay safe." He couldn't say goodbye as his voice cracked as he spoke so he just left. He got into the rental car and drove away.
Weeks passed. Whatever was happening between Jessica and George stayed between them as Jessica refused to discuss it with Seth. She was irritable and finally just shut herself away in her house. She declined every invitation and didn't call anyone, not even Seth. He had to show up at her house unannounced and hope she was in the kitchen, otherwise she wouldn't come to the door.
George's colleagues didn't know what happened on his vacation but he came back in a rotten mood. Short tempered and working 18 hour days made him surly. He didn't take time off and if anyone dared joke around him, they instantly regretted it. George didn't call Jessica or open the emails she sent. He wasn't ready to speak with her.
The Chief Superintendent called him into his office early in October. "So I heard you went to see your woman this summer," he began. Both men were standing. Meetings with the chief didn't take long.
"Yes sir," answered George.
"And you've been a right pain in the arse since you returned," he added.
George didn't comment. He just waited.
"You've worked every day since you returned so I'm sending you home for a week."
"A week!" exclaimed George.
"Two weeks," the superintendent added. "Do you want to go for three?"
George wisely kept his mouth shut.
"Everyone has woman troubles at one time or another but we can't let the morale of the officers decline. It's rough enough out there."
Normally stoic, George couldn't help the look of despair crossing his face.
The Chief Superintendent didn't get promoted because he was unobservant and he genuinely liked George Sutherland who was always willing to work with the young lads and get them up to snuff.
"A word of advice if you'll take it. It doesn't matter who's right and who's wrong. She thinks you're wrong so just apologize. You'll both feel better. Send her some flowers." he said kindly.
"Yes sir," George answered in a daze and left the office.
He spent a week at the castle in Wick throwing himself into every project available. Helping the roofers, working out the horses, even gathering eggs and painting one of the sheds. He stayed away from everyone. He woke up while it was still dark outside in the mornings and didn't come inside until it was dark in the evenings and he was too tired to work anymore. He tried not to think about Jessica but of course she was always on his mind.
He decided there would be no more entanglements with the fairer sex. He was obviously too old to be appealing to women. The hardest part was trying to forget how much he loved her. The smiles, the winks, the intelligent conversations. Her love of all things Irish while he loved all things Scottish. The column of her neck, so graceful and one of the best places to kiss. The freckles you barely noticed until you were close, very close. The graceful arch of her calf when she crossed her legs. Her amazing laugh. He didn't stop the tear that slipped out and coursed down his cheek. He missed her so much. While they were seldom physically together, they were in regular communication and he missed it. He finished making sure all the animals had fresh water and took off his boots. He headed back to the castle. It was cold out now and the quicker he got in, the quicker he would get warm.
Since there were no guests this week, George sent the staff home except for the gardeners and stable hands. His cook left a note on his desk. New arrival tonight, upstairs, no food required. He read the abbreviated note and decided to go upstairs. There was no name so he didn't know whether it was a male or female guest. Probably male since his cook didn't stay the night. She always felt she should chaperone if a female was staying alone. She would arrive before breakfast and take care of the necessary chores.
He went to his room first and showered. Throwing a towel around his waist he exited his bathroom and went toward his bed.
Movement in his room caught his eye and he turned to see Jessica. Seated in a chair by the window she was wearing what appeared to be a cream colored gown. He stood there wondering if he was imagining things.
"Hello George," she said softly. "I've missed you."
He wanted to speak. She looked lovely with her bright eyes and curly hair. The dim light clouded her features and suddenly he needed to see her. He maximized the brightness of the lighting in the room so he could see better.
She blinked against the sudden brightness. He realized she was the guest and she probably made sure they'd be uninterrupted. Neither spoke for a minute then they both spoke at the same time.
"After you, Jessica."
She frowned at the use of her full name but she spoke up. "I've missed you, George. I'm very sorry for frustrating you and failing you." She peeped at him before looking away. It's been so long since I've given myself completely to someone…" She trailed off and kept silent for a few moments. "I was afraid. I was scared witless, not of you, dear, of me and what Frank and I had.
George leaned against the armoire and listened.
Jessica started and stopped several times during her rambling speech. She was obviously flustered as her normal concise conversation was missing.
"What are you trying to say?" asked George.
Jessica took a deep breath. "I'm trying to tell you that I love you and I just want you to be patient."
"For how long, Jessica? It's been nearly nine years." commented George. "Do I wait another year? Two years? Every time we move forward, you retreat, then we have to work to regain ground again only for the cycle to continue over and over. I don't want to do it anymore. I love you, I want to be with you. I've accepted that you can't give me what I want or need."
Jessica rose from the chair. "Are you saying you no longer want us to be together?"
"We've never been together. We've been in the same place at the same time, that's all. I'm obviously not the one for you."
He walked over to her and took her hand. "You don't have to struggle anymore, no more battles with yourself." He walked her to his bedroom door. "Do you have all you need for tonight?"
She nodded her head yes and George gently led her into the hallway and walked her to her room door. "Goodnight, sleep well." He returned the way he came, entered his bedroom and closed the door. Tears sprang to his eyes. He hated hurting her.
Tears welled in her eyes as she entered her room. He had ended things and it hurt. She sat on her bed. She always thought he would wait on her to be ready for a committed relationship. She got up, left the room, and walked downstairs. She knew she wouldn't be back in the castle again. Letting tears fall, she said goodbye to all the rooms she walked through. Reaching the dining room, she sat in one of the chairs at the long table and put her head down and cried.
George watched her walking around the castle. When he upgraded the hotel and made some modernizations, he put in cameras in most of the public rooms. There were none in the bedrooms or bathrooms of course. It broke his heart to see her crying in the dining room. If she didn't get up soon, he would have to go get her. It was too cold in the castle at night and she wasn't in a dressing gown or robe. She wasn't moving and he wondered if she was asleep. Grabbing his robe, he briskly walked to the dining room.
"Let's get you to bed," he spoke softly and tried to help her up from the table. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. The sorrow and pain in her eyes was his undoing. He gathered her up and carried her to his bedroom. She didn't resist and laying her in his bed, he covered her with his quilt.
Jessica moved her arm gingerly. It was morning but she could barely move. She was naked and tried to cover herself but other than the sheet beneath her, the bed was bare. She sat up slowly and looked around. No bed covers on the floor either. George entered the room from the bathroom. He wasn't wearing anything and she blushed. His eyes darkened with desire and she was tempted to try to cover herself with her hands.
"How are you?" he asked. "I hope you aren't sore."
"Maybe a little, a soak will set things right." She said. He reached for her hand to help her up. She stood and he pressed her body into his.
"You feel wonderful," he announced. He ran a bath and encouraged her to sit and soak while he brought her tea that was sitting on a tray by the window.
Back in the bedroom, George remade the bed with fresh sheets and blankets and gave her one of his t-shirts to wear since he sent her gown through the laundry chute.
"How great was it to give up control?" he asked her.
"I never thought…it was so much." she tried to explain.
"And more darling, when we share control with each other, it is amazing."
He was pulling on a pair of boxers and she was watching him greedily.
"I do need a little time for recovery." he smiled.
"I like looking at you, remembering what you did," she said bashfully.
"I'll show you later what else I can do," he promised.
They spent the day in bed, kissing, napping, and talking. George continually tried to see if he could get one more spasm of ecstasy out of her. He always could.
"I'm going home Tuesday." she shared after gorging on a large roast beef sandwich and a coke.
"I have another week off, do you want me to come with you?" he asked. "Will I be sharing your bedroom?"
She blushed. It wasn't anyone's business where he slept. She nodded yes.
"Tongues will wag, darling," he reminded her.
"Let them." She winked at him.
George did return with Jessica to the states but not to Cabot Cove, to New York. Not only did it keep Jessica from being engulfed in gossip but the New York to London non stop flight was easier and saved hours of time. Jessica visited London more often since she had a more flexible schedule and their relationship progressed. Where it would go remains to be determined.