Chapter One
There's nothing like a New Year's Eve party to work off excess energy, thought Jessica Fletcher. The trip to New York right after Christmas was perfect. Decorations were still up and Seth had accompanied her and would be escorting her to the party. For once there were no rewrites or edits to look over. She was completely free of obligations for the next month. She was going to cut loose and enjoy herself and if luck was with her, she would be beside Seth as the clock struck midnight and she would get her kiss. She didn't know why she suddenly wanted to give Seth a proper kiss but she was filled with anticipation.
They had been flirting with each other more than usual lately. Kisses on the cheek were occurring nightly and now touching had been introduced. Light touches to their shoulders or at the waist mostly. She also made it a point to stand closer to him so optimal touching opportunities could occur. She was fairly certain it was a physical attraction but the thought of dating never entered her mind.
Sunlight streamed through the window and shone against the top half of the king sized bed. Jessica Fletcher, mystery writer extraordinaire, was slow to open her eyes. It wasn't often she drank too much but last night was New Year's Eve and she and about two hundred others had a full night of dancing. She smiled thinking about the party. Who said writers were dull? Rubbing her forehead she figured she drank six or seven glasses of champagne and had very little to eat since she was in demand on the dance floor. New York City was a great place to be on New Year's Eve even if you weren't in Times Square. It had been years since she had imbibed so freely. She remembered how she and Frank would celebrate the would eat out, usually at the hotel where they were staying. It was the one night they could cut loose and usually she was quite tipsy by the time they returned to their room. They always made love after midnight to guarantee they would do it all year long. It was one of the few superstitions she loved.
She shivered and realized she was cold. Cracking her eyes open she realized she didn't recognize the artwork on the wall. This wasn't her bedroom. She noticed the television sitting on a table and remembered they got hotel rooms for the night because there would be a long wait for a cab and she didn't want to be out at night with possible drunk and impaired drivers.
Stretching, she pulled back the covers before grabbing them again. She wasn't wearing her pajamas. She must have been too tired to put them on. She slowly climbed off the bed. She was definitely hung over. She looked for her robe which was usually at the end of the bed but instead of the pink terry cloth garment she saw a foot?
Following the foot up to the body of someone, she recognized Seth Hazlitt. The bedspread covered most of his body but his head was visible. She sighed in relief. What if it had been a stranger? That would have been awkward. Her dearest friend had accompanied her to the party. Why was he in her bed? Her mind was having a hard time keeping a train of thought. Maybe after a shower she would feel better.
It took a really long while in the shower before she started feeling better. Familiar aches and twinges reminded her it had been a while since she was intimate with Frank. She began to recall certain events. She remembered Seth kissing her body. Oh, he was soooo good at it. Her body began to tingle as she recalled a particularly forceful orgasm. Wait! There were two of them. She remembered climbing higher and exploding in spasms as Seth worked his magic on her. What was she going to do about it?
She remembered last year. While hiking at Stevens Point she had nearly slipped and fallen. She wouldn't have been injured too badly, probably a sprained ankle or something but she yelped and Seth had grabbed her and prevented her fall. His arms brought her to his chest and she recalled how strong his arms felt. At the time she thought it was the adrenaline flowing through her that made her react so strongly to being held by him but thinking about last night, she remembered those arms again. He had been so passionate. His hands on her hips as they moved together were firm. Who would have thought Seth would make her feel so content physically?
She dressed in comfortable clothes and started the coffee pot sitting next to the microwave in the room. She took a seat in the room's only chair and settled back to think. Foremost on her mind, did she and Seth sleep together because they drank too much or just because they were sharing a bed? She didn't remember undressing. Seth hadn't woken up so was he also drunk or maybe he was just exhausted? They had several dances together and they weren't waltzes.
How did she feel about sleeping with Seth? It went without saying that Seth would be upset. Oh, she knew he would like a relationship with her. It was plainly obvious to her although probably not to others. She just knew him so well. She figured he wanted her for a few years now but never made a move on her. He would practically demand one now. He was not one for casual entanglements. But did she want a relationship? How did she really feel about Seth? While the physical side of things were definitely a plus, a committed relationship would complicate her life. She was such a different person than when she was married to Frank. Now she was an independent, mature woman and she didn't know if she wanted to give up the freedom to do as she wished.
Of course, she had never had a casual adult relationship. She was escorted by men to different events but she didn't consider them dates. She did miss physical intimacy but it has been several years since Frank died so that was probably normal. And she was feeling alive even with a headache. Heaven help her she would love to do it again, to be with Seth again. She pressed her hand to her abdomen. Even in an alcoholic haze she could remember moving in time with Seth. She smiled.
Seth began moving in bed and she watched him slowly awaken. He yawned and stretched before sitting up and turning toward the bathroom. He tossed the covers back and stood giving Jessica quite an impressive display.
"You might want to cover up, Seth," she suggested. "Good morning, by the way."
Seth abruptly turned in her direction before grabbing the bedspread and covering himself. His eyes were wide and startled.
"Jessica!" he whispered harshly. "What are you doing in my room?"
"Correction, Seth," she replied. "What are you doing naked in my bed, in my room?"
Realization dawned on Seth slowly. "Jess! Did we…last night…this morning…did we have sex?"
"Do you remember anything about last night once we came upstairs?" she asked. "I recall laughing in the elevator. I think I remember your card key not working or we couldn't get it to work, something like that."
"Jess," he said slowly. "I think we did it. We had sex."
"That's what I think too, Seth." She picked up the room service menu. "I'm relieved you walked me back to my room and not anyone else."
He stood there gaping at her. Was she really unaffected? Was she disappointed in their lovemaking? Seth began looking around for his clothes in order to stop thinking about his performance. He spotted his shirt behind the chair she was sitting in but his pants remained a mystery.
"Why don't I go to your room and grab some pants for you? You can shower and dress in your room."
"Jess, we need to talk."
"Not now, Seth. You need to get cleaned up. I need to find some aspirin and we need to eat something," she corrected.
Seth wanted to argue but he was standing naked except for a bedspread. Jessica went across the hall and retrieved a pair of pants for him. She walked over to the window so he could have a bit of privacy after which he went to his room.
Breakfast over, it was decided they would head over to Central Park and talk while strolling. It was cold but it wasn't snowing so they put on jackets and sturdy boots and headed out. Jessica could tell Seth was chomping at the bit to start the discussion so she let him lead.
"Jess, I never intended to take advantage of you. Please understand that I didn't plan last night to happen," he began.
"I know, Seth," she injected. "You didn't take advantage of me. I am certain I gave you consent."
"I think I'm beginning to remember a few things." he mentioned trying to sound casual. "Now that we know we're compatible, why not explore a romantic relationship?"
"Seth," began Jessica. "One night in bed isn't a basis for an intimate relationship."
"Sure it is," he argued. "We are already great friends, best friends, and now that the physical side has been tested, I think we should begin dating and see where it leads us."
Jessica took a moment to think. She would have to be careful not to upset him. She wished he would agree to a friends with benefits idea but no, he would want to know where it was headed and he meant how long until the wedding.
"Jess, what is it?"
She had been silent too long.
"Did you not enjoy last night? Am I terrible in bed? I can do better." Seth looked worried. "I haven't been with anyone lately…uh..give me another chance…to, you know…"
"Seth, you're fine," assured Jessica. "You're asking for a huge change in my life. I'm going to need more time to think about things." Jessica worried she wasn't treading lightly enough. Seth was her dearest friend, she just didn't want to leap into anything without being sure.
"I'm not fine, Jessica!" Seth whispered loudly. "You seem to have a lot of misgivings, you haven't exactly assured me that you enjoyed last night. That's why you aren't sure, isn't it?"
"Seth, for goodness sake, It was marvelous. I wish I could remember every second of being together. We obviously are well suited physically."
"I'm not sophisticated or suave enough for you? Are you ashamed of me?"
"Seth, oh goodness. You're my best friend. Why would I be ashamed?" Jessica grabbed his arm to stop him from taking off. "Seth, you have to admit you don't like my traveling, the book tours, the time it takes me to research and write a book…Sometimes I stay up working all hours of the night and you have your own work. I'm just saying I'd like to think things through."
Seth stared at Jessica, hurt shining clearly on his face. "I never wanted to tell you how I felt because I know you don't feel the same as I do. I've been rejected before. There's no point in drawing it out." He stomped away, heading back towards the hotel. Jessica followed behind slowly. Seth with a bruised ego was going to take time, a lot of time.
And she was correct. Seth was testy and at times downright ornery. His sharp tongue caused many people in Cabot Cove to give him a wide berth. Jessica was patient, trying to wait him out but he was pigheaded too. His excuse for not coming over was to give her time to sort her thoughts about them. She went on a two week book tour and returned to New York to spend a couple of days with her publisher to iron out a few details regarding when her next book would be due. She was looking forward to a long break.
Walking out of the train station in Portland, she was surprised to see Mort Metzger, Sheriff of Cabot Cove, waiting by his car instead of Seth. At her questioning look he began speaking.
"Doc, told me you were coming in today and I thought I'd pick you up. I told him I had to come down anyway." He put her luggage in the trunk and assisted her into the car. It took a few minutes to navigate away from the station and enter the highway.
"You wanted to speak with me?" she asked shrewdly, once they pulled away from traffic.
"Mrs. F, something is wrong with the Doc. Mrs. Grant told me he looked really down when she saw him Thursday and Eve Simpson told me his eyes were red, like he was crying, when she saw him on Friday." He looked briefly at her. She didn't seem sad so it probably didn't have anything to do with her. "I would take what they say with a grain of salt but he has been in a bad mood for a few weeks.
Jessica looked concerned. It had been a month since she and Seth had been in bed together. She had asked for time but surely that wouldn't have him so upset, would it?
"I'll check on him when I get home, Sheriff." She frowned as she thought of several things that could be wrong.
She tried his number as soon as she walked in the house but there was no answer. She decided to unpack and grab a shower and try again.
Several hours later she still hadn't reached him and decided to walk over to his house. The sun was setting as she started out but the street lights had already come on.
Seth's house and office windows were dark but she couldn't tell if he was home or not. No one answered the bell or her knock. Walking around to the back she saw one dim light in his bedroom window, probably the lamp beside his bed. More than likely he was home and not responding. She took the hidden key from beneath the fourth stone on the left side of the back porch. Slipping inside quietly, she crept up the stairs and headed for his bedroom. Should she knock? Unsure, she opened the door and knocked at the same time.
Seth was sitting on his bed, feet on the floor, facing the wall. He was crying. He jerked when she knocked and quickly wiped his face but she had already seen.
"Seth."
She hurried to his side and sat on his bed. Wrapping her arms around him, she tried to comfort him with a hug. "Honey, what is it? How can I help?"
"Is there something you want to tell me?" he asked.
Jessica didn't pretend she didn't understand what he was asking. "Is this why you're crying?"
"Just say it and get it over with, Jess. You've made me wait this long."
Oh, grumpy Seth it is then, thought Jessica.
"I've given it a lot of consideration so I want you to hear me out," she answered.
"I am willing to give us a chance but there are conditions…" She waited for him to interrupt but he didn't. "I'm going to continue to write. I'm not changing my travel schedule for this year but I will include you in next year's schedule discussion if we're together."
Seth looked at her with a huge smile on his face. He threw himself on her, kissing her face, and exclaiming 'wonderful' over and over again.
"Seth, wait. Stop." She put a little distance between them. "There's no guarantee that I'll fall in love or that you'll want to be with me after dating for a while. I do mean dating too. I know you cook us dinners and we go antiquing but I want to go on dates, understand?"
Seth was nodding his head and grabbed her hands. "I'm going to make you so happy, Jess. So very happy." He pressed his lips to hers and crushed her to his chest.
Jessica had to admit he was a good kisser and she was enjoying it until his hands tried to unbutton her blouse. "Seth, slow down. I know we've already gone further than this but I'm not drunk nor are you."
"You're right. You're right, Jess." He was still beaming and Jessica didn't want him upset again so she smiled back.
"Jess, Valentine's Day is next week. Would it be okay if we went to New York? We could have a nice romantic meal at your place. Candlelight, wine, chocolates, and roses? I can't do it properly here in town. The minute I buy roses and chocolate it will be all over and everyone will try to find out who the recipient is."
"That sounds wonderful, Seth. We can go the day before to give you time to shop for groceries." She loved his enthusiasm. "Just know that you'll be staying in my guest room."
He nodded his head up and down with a huge grin on his face. He could hardly wait to spend time alone with her, without half the town watching and waiting to gossip.