Chapter 5

A month later, the New York apartment had been sold fully furnished and the money had been transferred to the bank. Except for a stack of boxes of personal effects, as well as the contents of her closet, she did not move anything back to Cabot Cove. Once those items arrived, she asked the moving company to put everything in the guest room, where over several weeks, she took her time going through everything.

Jessica considered buying a vacation home for her and Seth with the profit from the apartment but was not sure where yet and was definitely not sure how to broach the subject with Seth. She knew that if she wanted him to feel like it was theirs in any way, she would need to involve him in the purchase, and it was too soon for that.

During the past month, their time together continued to increase, which was also leading to more and more affectionate behavior. She called him 'darling' and 'dear,' and he continued with the endearment of 'woman,' as well as sometimes calling her 'my love' or 'sweetheart.' Hand holding and kissing were becoming the norm, even if it often stopped before hands moved any further than the back of his neck or her low back.

One Saturday night, Jessica became restless. She and Seth had gone fishing on Caleb's boat that morning and Morag had joined them, loving the movement of the boat. Jessica had put a dog life jacket on her, which caused Seth to shake his head, but secretly he was glad. That dog needed to live forever.

Returning early in the afternoon, Jessica and Morag had gone into her house, but not before Seth said he would return by six to start dinner. He had offered to cook, and Jessica was happy to allow him to. She would make pie and a salad. Morag would supervise and hope they were clumsy by dropping scraps for her to eat.

Jessica had a long soak in the tub that afternoon, while Morag guarded the hallway. She had been contemplating how to help move them forward, without Seth becoming uncomfortable. She regarded herself lying in the tub. She was certainly older now, but she had a good figure. She had always eaten well and been active. She had full breasts and curved hips, and her legs were still shapely. Those attributes seemed to be what attracted men.

She was not embarrassed about wanting sex. Perhaps just embarrassed at not knowing how to ask for it without being blunt.

Jessica had only ever been with Frank, and he had been gone a long time. They married rather quickly after meeting, as sleeping together at that time was never an option. It simply wasn't done. But she decided it was time to be a bit more assertive with Seth tonight. Maybe they wouldn't end up in bed yet, but she wanted him to understand that she wanted to.

Walking into her bedroom in her robe, she selected a matching bra and underwear set that was a deep blue with the edges lined in lace. Slipping them on, she turned to the closet and found a knee length deep red dress that slipped over her head, hugging her curves and highlighting her chest without being too much. Standing in front of the mirror, she turned back and forth and decided it would work. She slipped on a pair of flats and walked down the stairs at ten minutes before six, with Morag on her heels.

Making the salad, she was glad she had made the pie before she bathed. She was tense, but she hoped that she would relax after he arrived, and they spent time together.

Hearing the back door open, she called out to Seth to come on in. His heavy footsteps were audible as he entered, and she turned to look at him.

Shocked, she realized he had dressed up as well. Wearing a suit with his customary bow tie, this one in red and blue stripes, she smiled widely. In his arms, he carried a bag of groceries, as well as a small bundle of pink roses.

Seth felt shocked as well, even as he also felt a surge of relief. Somehow, he had known that tonight would be special, and he had put on the newest suit he had, even as he spent the entire couple of minute drive berating himself for doing so. What would she think if she was wearing jeans and an old cardigan?

But instead, she was in a red dress, and she had to know that he adored that color on her. Such a striking woman she was, and he found himself letting out an exhale after apparently holding his breath.

"Are you alright, Seth?" she asked quietly.

"Ayuh, woman, I am. You look lovely."

"Thank you. You look very handsome."

They had both frozen in place five feet apart, and neither seemed capable of moving at first, but after a long pause, Jessica was the first one to move, bridging the gap, and kissing him softly.

Morag whined at Jessica's feet while facing Seth, wanting him to acknowledge her, making them both chuckle.

"Morag, you look very smart yourself this evening," he said as he patted her head.

"These are for you, my love," Seth added, handing the flowers to Jess, before setting the bag of groceries on the counter.

Seth took his suit jacket off, draping it over a kitchen chair, before making himself at home by putting an apron on and beginning to get his ingredients in order.

Jessica thanked him for the roses, before putting the flowers in water, placing the vase on the table to enjoy while they ate. She continued making the salad and setting the table, before opening a bottle of wine, pouring them both glasses.

Seth grilled some chicken and vegetables in a lemon butter sauce. It was light and delicious. Jessica pretended to drop the occasional piece of food for Morag, even as Seth knew that was exactly what she was doing. Instead of saying anything, he enjoyed seeing her so relaxed and happy. Did he have anything to do with that? He hoped so.

They chatted while they ate, mostly about their fishing excursion that morning and when they would go the next time. It was peaceful being together, eating a good meal, and sharing a bottle of wine.

When they finished dinner, they each had a slice of pie, Jessica's much smaller than Seth's. Jessica had refilled their wine glasses without asking. She considered offering coffee, but knew if Seth really wanted some, he knew where everything was. Besides, she was hoping that the wine would relax them both. Finishing her pie, Jessica wiped her mouth with a napkin, before sitting back from the table and continuing to sip her wine.

"Seth, would you mind taking Morag out while I clean up here? I took her on a walk earlier, so I think if she just goes out in the backyard, she will be fine until morning."

"Sure, Jess." Looking at Morag, Seth said, "Come on, girl, let's go."

Smiling, Jessica watched Seth walk outside the backdoor with Morag following him. Not wasting a moment, she stacked all the dishes in the sink to soak, making sure that all the food was in the refrigerator and the stove was turned off. Turning out the lights, she entered the living room, turning on one small lamp in the corner of the room. She selected a jazz record that had a compilation of music on it, before placing it on the turntable and switching it on. Lowering the volume to set a romantic mood, she moved the coffee table back against the couch.

Jessica walked back into the darkened kitchen to wait, leaning against the counter. She was a bundle of nerves but stood in place. She did not have to wait long as Seth entered through the backdoor with the sound of Morag's nails on the linoleum right behind him.

She saw the confusion in Seth's eyes but did not address it. Instead, looking down at Morag, she said, "Sweetheart, time to go to your bed." She crouched down by the crate giving Morag a good head scratch, before wishing her a good night.

"I thought you were letting her sleep in your room, Jess," Seth said.

"Not tonight, Seth."

Standing back up, Jess turned to him and reached out her hand. After a slight pause, he grasped hers in his larger one, and she pulled him behind her, stepping down into the living room where the only remaining light in the downstairs was on and the sounds of soft jazz music was playing.

Once she brought him into the middle of the room, she turned towards him and whispered, "Seth, may I have this dance?"

Startled, he recovered, wrapping his right arm around her, and raising their clasped hands up in a traditional dance posture.

No words were spoken, but they moved to the music, while staring into each other's eyes. Hers a deep blue that were fathomless in the dimness of the room, his were a warm hazel that she felt embraced by.

After the last song on the record ended, they stopped in place, motionless, neither knowing what to do next. Jessica was only a few feet away from the record player, so without letting go of his hand, she reached behind her, to turn the power switch off.

Meeting his eyes again, she watched him swallow. Stepping backwards towards the stairs, she said in a husky voice, "Come upstairs."

His face showed the conflict he must feel. He tried to stutter a response at first, "Jess, I…I…don't know. I want to, but…are you sure?"

She simply nodded yes, leading him upstairs, while never letting go of his hand.

Standing at the side of her bed, with the only illumination being from the hallway light as well as a faint light through the blinds, they stood facing each other at the side of her bed.

Clearing his throat, Seth started to speak, but felt her lips cover his mouth instead.

Jessica led their dance at first, kissing his lips and seeking entrance to his mouth, even as she heard him groan. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer, moving her body flush to his. He responded to her kisses, but kept his hands in one place, firmly around her hips, afraid to break the spell that was surrounding them both.

Pausing for breath, Jessica used the opportunity to step away a few feet. Making eye contact before she lifted her dress over her head, she dropped it to the floor. Kicking her flats off, she was standing in only the navy lace bra and underwear. She saw Seth gulp and she smiled at him.

Closing the gap once again, she began unbuttoning his shirt, as he seemed frozen in place. Even so, she heard his breathing change as it had become raspy, and she felt his heartbeat speed up under her touch.

Leaning to kiss his neck, she whispered, "I love you, Seth. Please try to relax and enjoy this. I have wanted to be with you for so long."

Grabbing her arms, he pulled back to look her in the eyes again, "For so long?"

She nodded, and said, "Yes, my darling. I just wasn't sure how to convince you that I was sure."

"I love you, Jess. I want to be with you more than anything."

"That's good, because here we are already in the bedroom."

Seth's eyes darken at her invitation and deciding to take her at her word, he stepped forward. Moving his hands down to her hands, he backed her up to the bed, having her pull back the sheets, as he unzipped and stepped out of his pants, as well as pulled off his undershirt.

Joining her in the bed, they removed each other's undergarments, before Jessica pulled Seth on top of her, his warm skin feeling firm, as there were finally no impediments to exploring their bodies.

Neither were in a hurry to reach their climax, but rather focused on the other's pleasure. There were no words spoken, but now committed to making love, they sought to show each other with every touch and caress what their hearts had long felt. By the time their bodies joined as one, the sounds of pleasure built more and more until Jessica first reached hers crying out his name, even as Seth watched her eyes flutter closed, her back arched as her body spasmed, and her hands grasped his shoulders so hard that her nails dug into him leaving imprints, causing his own end point to jolt him, as he collapsed on her right after.

Stirring in each other's arms a few minutes later, they shifted to their sides facing each other. Seth reached to caress her face, as he said, "Jess, I can't believe the gift you just gave me. I am stunned at your beauty and your love for me."

Smirking, she said, "You make it sound like a one-time thing." Placing her hand on his chest to feel his heartbeat, she continued, "I can assure you that I intend this to be a regular occurrence."

He growled at her, as he pulled her close, "I hope so, woman. Nothing would make me happier."

"I want you to be happy, my love. So happy."

They both heard something on the landing, causing them to still. A whine sounded long and mournful, causing them both to smile at each other, even as they both said, "Morag."

Climbing out of the bed, Jessica stood, nude, and in the darkness, she did not bother with finding a robe, but instead walked over to the door and opened it.

Looking down at the dog, Morag's tail beat against the doorframe, thrilled to be noticed.

"Hello, sweetheart. I didn't latch your crate door, did I?"

She scratched Morag's ears and invited her inside, before shutting the door behind her. Morag continued to whine, but sat down in her bed, still seeking Jessica's attention.

"Seth, do you suppose she heard us call out at the end and thought we were hurt? I wasn't quiet…"

Chuckling, he said, "No, you weren't, but I am certainly not complaining." She looked back at him, feeling slightly embarrassed. He read her well, because he added, "You were absolutely lovely, Jess. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to hear you cry out my name from pleasure." She looked down at the floor, but he could see her smile. Feeling more confident, he changed the subject back to Morag, "I have no idea how dogs think, Jess, but tell her goodnight and I am sure she will settle down."

"Morag, love, I am sorry we disturbed you. I promise we are alright. Time to settle down and sleep," she told her, as she wrapped the blanket around the dog, coaxing her to relax, before returning to bed.

They were lulled to sleep by Morag's soft snores.