Jessica walked in a circle around her hotel suite. It wasn't often that she had free time while meeting with her publicist and agent in Great Britain. She has been back in England since last night having traveled through Ireland and Wales. For the past few weeks she had been giving herself pep talks. It wasn't depression, at least she didn't think so. Last month would have been her 35th wedding anniversary with Frank, had he lived. Her wonderful friends had kept her involved the entire day. From fishing with Seth just after sunrise, going to Loretta's for a haircut and style, lunch at Mara's with friends, a couple of hours at the library researching, traveling to Portland for a little antiquing and dinner with Seth had made it a full day. They didn't return until well after eleven at night and she was in bed by midnight. All in all there had been no time to mope and that was fine with her.

She missed Frank, she suspected she always would but that wasn't the problem. She had adapted somewhat to not having him around. No, she missed intimacy, having someone thinking about her, giving her a hug just because or a special smile that said 'you are loved'. God bless her friends, they were wonderful. They didn't allow her to be lonely. Seth was her best friend and seemed tuned in to many of her moods but he seemed to appreciate their friendship exactly where it was.

No, she wanted flowers, and favorite songs, that special restaurant where they go for important occasions. She wanted to be kissed without it leading to sex, she wanted to hold hands. She wanted someone to know her, someone that knew her innermost secrets and desires.

She drew a bath and stayed soaking for a long time. She got out eventually and dried off. Moisturizing, she examined herself. She was in good shape. She had implemented a check for moles and any changes in her skin recently. She looked at her legs. They were good and sturdy, shapely without being too muscular. She thought they were her best feature, physically. Her arms were in good shape and her waistline stayed trim but her legs were definitely a cut above. Not that she showed them off. She didn't wear shorts or even capris. Her dresses and skirts fell to her knees or below. Was that the problem? She felt she dressed appropriate for her age and comfort but had she become frumpy? Her clothing in New York was more sophisticated than her clothing in Cabot Cove but they were very conservative. Maybe she needed a change. She had evolved from a typical New England widow into a best selling world traveling author, meeting people, getting awards, becoming famous. Has she changed? Some but she was the same in her core. Loyal, trustworthy, honest to a fault. Her values remained, her morals, attitudes, and principles firmly cemented.

Men flirted with her and at times she flirted as well but never seriously and never to anyone that seemed overly interested in her. She noted the speculative glances and ignored those that appeared infatuated with her bosom but she appreciated compliments, heartfelt ones not the insincere ones.

Her phone rang. It was George Sutherland, dear George.

"George, it's so good to hear from you. I'm back in London."

"That's good to know, lass. I'm hoping you're available for dinner?"

"Thank you but I'm in for the night. It's such a dreary day," she said regretfully. "How about tomorrow night?"

"Living in London I no longer even see the rain anymore," he chuckled. "You are sounding down. Is it the weather or something else?"

"I don't know, George," she replied honestly. "I think I'm going to settle into bed with a book until I fall asleep."

They spoke for a few more minutes then she rang off.

She removed her robe and chose a silk nightgown to wear. She had taken to wearing beautiful silk gowns to bed when away from home. It was silly since she was sleeping alone but she was still a woman and wanted to feel sensual if not sexy. The gown she chose was apricot in color. Not a normal choice for her but somehow it worked with her hair. The peignoir made her feel pretty. She twirled in front of the mirror. Although it was figure hugging in all the right places, it wasn't tight and she couldn't help loving the feel of it against her skin. She remembered the outfits she used to wear for Frank until Grady came to live with them.

She switched to satin pajamas and matching robes when Grady was around and even now it was her nightwear of choice but when she traveled she packed her prettier gowns. Oh sure, security sometimes opened her suitcase at the airport but outside of that no one else saw them.

She went into the bathroom and put her night cream on. She didn't believe the claims of youthful elasticity but she enjoyed the scent and had grown accustomed to the routine. Removing the cream, she smoothed her neck, looking for lines. She went into the living area and turned on the tv. Finding a music station, she increased the volume a little and began to dance around the room. She wasn't in the arms of anyone but she knew the dance steps by heart.

Knocking on the door interrupted her.

She had been cautioned by George to never look through the peephole in hotels so she called out, "Who's there?"

"It's George, lass."

"George, I'm not dressed,"

"You came to the door starkers?"

Jessica let out a laugh. "I meant to say I'm not decent."

"There's never been a more decent woman," he declared.

"I'm in my nightgown, George,"

"Well, I have three sisters so I've seen gowns and hair in curlers and pimple cream on the face," he called out amused.

Jessica shook her head. "I do not wear pimple cream any more nor hair curlers." She unlocked the door and opened it just enough to poke her head out. She immediately smelled the bag containing Chinese food and her stomach growled. She hesitated.

"I brought my rainy day pick me up," he said, noticing her inhaling the fragrance of the food.

She opened the door wider and he slipped inside. He didn't stare overtly at her, just a glimpse before setting the food down.

"But first I must…" George walked over to Jessica and pulled her into a warm embrace. "Let's eat."

They sat on the sofa and George expertly used his chopsticks to feed the both of them. She got a mouthful and then he took one until the carton of sesame chicken was empty.

"I feel like a baby bird being fed by my mother," she smiled. She picked up an egg roll with her fingers and took a bite. George winked at her before using his chopsticks and picking one up for himself.

It wasn't long before the food was gone, fortune cookies opened and laughed over, and styrofoam containers of tea, drank.

"That hit the spot," said George, patting his stomach. "Now to work off our meal." He rose and held out his hands to Jessica.

She was puzzled but stood and George immediately swept her around the room. They danced to slow songs and fast ones, laughing themselves silly over some of their moves.

"George, did you used to go to the discos?" she asked, laughing at some of his steps.

"Used to? I still go, lass." George pulled her back into his arms as a tango began. "Can you salsa? I'll teach you."

Jessica shook her head. "I don't think so. I'm not wearing the right clothes."

George looked down at her curiously. Fingering her robe he looked into her eyes. He could see her apprehension. "It will be our secret," he assured her. At her nod, he unsnapped the buttons and removed her robe. Her nightgown fell to her knees and covered her body although his imagination correctly filled in the blanks.

He walked her through the basic steps and within minutes she was dancing as if she had learned years ago. He was happy his intentions were honorable because Jessica moved her hips sensually once she was confident in her movements. They finally collapsed on the sofa.

"Thank you so much, George." Jessica's cheeks had color and her eyes sparkled. "I needed a night like tonight. How did you know?"

"I had to do something to fill the empty, rainy nights once my wife died so I took dancing lessons. I didn't have a partner so the instructor became my partner." He sighed. "Earlier on the phone, listening to you, reminded me of how I used to be."

Jessica moved closer and snuggled into him. "I've been keeping you at arm's length at times." She admitted.

"Don't I know it, my dear." He leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose. "I understand protecting your heart can be necessary at times." He took a deep breath. "And now that your spirits are lifted, I am going home."

Jessica frowned. "Already?"

"Jessie, I only have so much self control. I wanted to cheer you up, lass, not seduce you."

"One more dance?"

Unable to say no and disappoint her, he rose and took her in his arms. Twirling around the room, dancing in a natural rhythm, he couldn't help being charmed by her.

They finished with a flourish and she kissed his cheek. "Thank you," she said softly.

"Anytime," he whispered. He picked up her robe and helped her in it. "I don't dare kiss you without it." He stroked her cheek before pressing his lips to hers. The kiss deepened and grew longer. "oidhche mhath a ghràidh." (Goodnight, my love)

Jessica wasn't sure what he said but his expression was clear. "Dinner tomorrow?"

"Eight?"

"Yes," she murmured. She walked him to the door. "Hopefully it won't be raining."

"I don't know, I'm suddenly fond of rain." He kissed her hand and walked away.

Jessica closed the door and leaned against it. George certainly made her evening much better. Making sure the door was locked, she took off her robe and got into bed. Using the remote she turned off the tv. The lights were turned off next and she adjusted her pillows for maximum comfort. Maybe it would be alright to let George move in closer. With a soft smile she drifted off to sleep.