Chapter 2

The villa on the cliff overlooking the ocean in Mexico was everything Jessica had hoped it would be. The pictures of the shower did not lie and she could not wait to act out her fantasy, as soon as they recovered from their travel.

After they unpacked, they placed an order for groceries to be delivered for the week and went about organizing the kitchen to suit their needs. Walking through the entire villa, they explored the property together.

In the listing, the villa had promised absolute privacy. It was fully gated and while there were security cameras, they could be turned off if desired and Jessica had already turned the interior ones off. Only the cameras on the outside of the gate were left on.

They were even protected from any aircraft, as the property was covered in trees and other foliage, providing shade and covering from view as well as the unforgiving sun in this climate. As a result, she felt perfectly safe skinny dipping in the pool.

"Seth, let's get into the pool."

"It's certainly hot enough for it. Sounds like a good idea. I'll go and get us some water and snacks."

Agreeing, she waited until he went inside, before she slipped her sundress off her body, with her bra and underwear following. Leaving them on the patio where she dropped them, she left her sunglasses on and stepped down the steps into the water.

Oh, this felt heavenly, as she moved in the water, feeling the freedom and bliss of being completely nude.

She knew the exact moment that Seth saw her, as she heard him stumble down the steps of the patio, causing the water to slosh out of the glasses he was holding.

Turning around in the water, she saw his look of shock, as he stared at her.

"Care to join me, darling?"

"Jess, what are you doing?"

"I turned off the security cameras, Seth. We are locked inside this complex. It's no different than being inside with the doors locked."

"I doubt that, woman."

Seth did pause to take in their surroundings though, noting the covering of trees and other greenery, as well as the eight-foot wall going all the way around the villa.

"Seth, join me," she said, coaxing him, as she swam to the shallow side, standing up in the water that hit her waist, exposing her breasts to his view.

"You're so beautiful, Jess," he breathed out.

Skinny dipping had not been a previous fantasy for him, but he knew that it was short sighted of him for it not to be, as he hoped he would never forget this image of his wife standing there in the pool wearing nothing but her sunglasses.

Undressing, he did join her, but the doctor in him told her that they only needed to stay in fifteen minutes, as they were both far too pale to be out in the daylight without sunscreen, despite the trees covering the majority of the backyard in shade. Jessica had put sunscreen on before leaving the airport a couple of hours ago, but had not reapplied, nor had she thought to apply any to the parts of her body that had never seen the sun. As Seth had not put any on yet, they stayed in the area of the pool in full shade, as Jessica wrapped her body around Seth's.

She sighed in his ear, resting her chin on his shoulder.

"This is heaven, Seth."

He murmured in agreement.

"Happy Anniversary, my darling," she said, pulling back and kissing him, deepening the kiss, even as she felt her body come alive in his arms.

All too soon, it was time to get out of the water and return inside to protect their fair skin. Drying off, they put their same clothes back on, going into the kitchen to fix an early dinner. They worked together with their usual degree of comfort.

They prepared fish and rice with a side of vegetables. The meal was light and fresh and while they ate at the dining room table, they opened the accordion doors that led out to the patio, letting in the fading sunlight and the ocean air.

"Seth?"

"Hmm?"

"Would you ever want to live somewhere more tropical?"

"Instead of Cabot Cove?"

"No, not instead of. More in addition to. Perhaps somewhere warm like this from January through March when the cold and snow become almost too much at home."

"Well, I suppose we could. I mean, I'm not sure I can until I retire, mind you, but I do hope I can scale back to part-time within another year or so."

"I know, my love, and I don't mean to pressure. I just wondered. It would probably make more sense to rent somewhere whenever we can get away and that way, we aren't tied to any one location or house."

Nodding, he seemed to agree, although she knew he would agree with whatever she wanted. Seth was always happy in Cabot Cove but he wanted her to be happy, which sometimes meant that she needed to travel and see the world. Thankfully, he understood that and after talking a lot in the beginning, they agreed that Jessica would travel and go when she needed to and Seth would try to join her when he could.

Clearing the table, they put away the leftovers and put the dishes in the dishwasher, before opening up a bottle of wine.

"Care to watch the sun set, Jess, over a glass?" Seth asked, lifting the bottle in explanation.

"Sounds lovely," Jessica agreed, watching as Seth found two wine glasses, following him outside through the accordion doors.

Leading her over to a two-person outdoor rocker, they sat next to each other, Jessica scooting next to Seth's side. Clinking their glasses together, Seth said, "Happy Anniversary, my dear."

Smiling widely, Jessica leaned in for a warm kiss, before echoing Seth's words, "Happy Anniversary, my love. May it be the first of many."

He stared at her, watching as her blue eyes appeared to shimmer as she stared back at him. He could see the love in her eyes and feel the desire between them.

But there was also an undercurrent of exhaustion after their day of travel.

After several breaths, she said, "Tomorrow. I think we both need some rest tonight. I want you to be full of energy."

She winked at him and he could not help but laugh.

S/J

Due to their exhaustion from traveling, they slept deeply wrapped in each other's arms, wearing nothing, as the night was warm and they both preferred leaving the windows open to hear the ocean and smell the salty air, to turning on the air conditioning. They both woke up before the sun, with Jessica on her side with her cheek pressed against Seth's chest.

Feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her, she smiled. How was she so lucky to have the love of this man? He was absolutely devoted to her and she to him. She had often felt lucky when Frank was alive as well, and it was humbling to her at this age, to know that she had been loved by two such wonderful men. She tried to be a kind person, one who loved and gave of herself and cared for others, but to receive it in return in such a selfless manner was often overwhelming.

She knew he was awake, even though he had yet to speak. But he had begun to move his warm hand up and down her arm, allowing her thoughts to remain her own. But when he felt a tear fall to his chest, he stilled his hand, applying a bit of pressure.

"Jess?"

"I'm okay, my darling. Just feeling overwhelmed this morning. In a good way though."

"How is it good to feel overwhelmed?"

"Oh, I have been thinking about how I have somehow been blessed to have the love of two wonderful men in my life and wondering how in the world I have been so lucky. I certainly didn't deserve either of you, but I was blessed to have Frank and I am so thankful that I have you."

Placing a soft kiss on his chest, she moved her face to look up at Seth's, raising her hand as she did so, to cup his cheek.

"Good morning, my darling."

"Good morning, my dear."

Sharing a kiss, they pulled away, staying in each other's arms.

"What would you like to do today, Seth? Should we perhaps go down to the beach this morning before it gets too hot?"

"Ayuh, that sounds like a good idea…but first, my love, I think we should shower."

The implication was clear, as he stared at her, not breaking eye contact, determining if she was ready. He decided last night that they needed to enact her fantasy in the early morning when they were both fully rested, as making love against the shower wall was likely going to take far more energy than they were used to normally.

She nodded, but did not say a word, watching as Seth pulled back the single sheet they had used in the night as a covering in bed.

Standing up, he pulled her up beside him, and they walked together into the bathroom, Seth walking through the glass door that separated the interior of the house to the outdoor shower. The outside air was already warm, so when he turned on the water, he set it to lukewarm, before walking back in, both of them taking care of the necessities first.

Jessica's heart was beginning to pound, as she watched Seth move around the bathroom, making sure that their body wash and shampoo were in the shower and towels were within easy reach whenever they were needed.

When they were both ready, Seth turned towards her, tilting his head in her direction. He was becoming aroused already and he had not even touched her yet, but watching her stand by the bathroom counter, as her chest was flushed and her breathing was becoming erratic, he knew she was aroused as well.

"Mrs. Hazlitt, your fantasy awaits," he said, his voice still gravely so early in the morning, as he reached out his hand towards her. She took it and followed him into the shower.

He surprised her, by first moving her under the shower head and wetting down her hair. Lathering it with her shampoo that smelt of lavender and a hint of vanilla, he massaged her scalp, and felt her relax under his touch. He watched her close her eyes and once he was done, he tilted her head under the spray, rinsing the shampoo out. He repeated the process with her conditioner. Using a washcloth, he poured a generous amount of body wash which matched the scent of her shampoo onto it. Starting at her neck, he moved the washcloth over every inch of her body, paying special attention to her breasts and between her legs, using the opportunity to massage her with his hands after washing her, careful to make sure he did not have any soap on his fingers, before he entered her, watching as she moved her head back and heard her gasp. He knew she welcomed his touch, as ever so carefully she moved her stance wider, allowing more movement and deeper penetration. He needed to make sure she would be ready for him soon, because despite her desire, he would never force his way into her body. Yet, he knew that she wanted him to take charge and so, making sure that she was fully aroused for him, was the best way to do that. Satisfied that she was wet enough for him, he moved the washcloth all the way down her legs, going all the way down to her feet, smiling when he heard her giggle as her feet were ticklish.

Once done with the washcloth, he placed it on the bench, and then moved her fully under the spray to get all the soap off her body. She was absolutely beautiful. The sun was in the sky, but not above them, lighting the cement walls, while keeping them in shade. Her body was glistening from the water and her skin was soft, scented, and slippery under his touch.

He kissed her under the water, feeling the temperate temperature of it, pouring over both of their bodies as he held her in a loose embrace.

"Are you ready, my love?"

"Hmm, yes, my darling. Please take me and make me yours," she whispered in his ear.

Steeling himself to focus his attention on giving her what she wanted without risking hurting her, he grasped her arms as he moved her back against the shower wall. He wanted to get her out of the direct flow of water, while still allowing the spray to hit them, keeping their bodies warm and slippery. She gasped as her back came into contact with the cold of the cement wall. There was a glaze on the cement that provided waterproofing, but was also cold to the touch, despite the warmth outside. Distantly, they could hear the pounding of the surf below them, and he held her arms in place at her sides, as he ravaged her mouth with his own. She received his advances readily, opening her mouth and using her tongue with a ferocity to match his own. Moaning was unavoidable, as he moved to raise her arms above her head, leaning his body against her own, feeling his need grow and his body demand to be part of her.

Of course, she would not fight him, as she wanted this badly, so when he moved to hold her wrists in place with one hand, to free the other to roam her body, she cried her appreciation, as she said, "Oh yes, Seth, please don't stop."

Deciding to spend time on her breasts, he started by creating varying patterns of touch across her chest, taking plenty of time, before reaching her nipples. When he did reach the first hard pink tip, her reaction was breathtaking as she leant her head back against the cement wall, her throat and chest visibly working to keep her oxygen supply going as she struggled for air. Continuing to stroke and play with her nipples, her body tensed in wonderful agony, as she squeezed her legs together in anticipation. She did not have control, nor did she want control. She was willingly giving up all of it right now, despite the knowledge that one word or movement on her part would have Seth freeing her, assuring her of her agency and autonomy, as this man would never ever hurt her. Because of that absolute trust and knowledge of his love though, she could relish this time of letting go and giving up control, even if it was only playing and pretending. Because it was the best kind of play and pretend when it was with the lover of her heart.

Leaning his head down, he used his tongue to first kiss and trace her breasts. Then, he took one of her nipples fully in his mouth, sucking it, even as the water flowed over their bodies. Her head was already against the shower wall, but her back arched showing his power to get her body to react.

Her hands clenched within his grasp above her head, but otherwise she waited in desperation and need.

This was everything.

Everything.

But she wanted more.

She tried to move her hips against his, feeling him against her leg.

"Not yet, woman," he growled.

"More. Darling, I need more."

Glancing up at her face, he raised his eyebrow at her in question.

Nodding her head, she whispered, "More."

Understanding, he sucked ever so harder. She gasped, all but shouting, "Yessss."

Seth was about to lose all control. His wife had surrendered herself to him against a shower wall, all but begging for him as she groaned, whimpered, and wiggled against him, and this might just be the most erotic moment of his life. He resisted the need and urge to grind against her body.

Instead, taking a risk, he used his teeth to give a different sensation against her nipple. He didn't bite. He refused to hurt her. But he could use his teeth and tongue to pull and push her nipple against his mouth and lips. As he carried on this onslaught that was new and thrilling, her body convulsed against him, and she screamed, "Sethhh, oh yes, oh yessss."

Oh lord, she orgasmed from nipple stimulation alone! He had known that was possible, but he had certainly never witnessed it before. He could not wait any longer, even as she was trying to shift her hips against him again.

Moving back up to her mouth though, he held her firmly in place, as he kissed her deeply. While their tongues fought for dominance, he used his one free hand to move from her breast to lift her left leg to his hip, making sure she had her balance before burying himself in her deeply. Hearing her cry, he checked her face to make sure her moan was one of pleasure and not pain, and when he looked at her, her eyes were heavy only with desire.

"Jess, you are the sexiest creature I have ever seen. My god, woman."

Feeling the fullness, they both paused, making sure they had their balance, before Seth began to move.

Remembering what she had confessed to him about this fantasy, he released her hands, and while kissing her forcefully, his hands reached behind her to cup her bottom as he moved against her, building speed, depth, and intensity, even as their breathing picked up and their pulses raced. He felt her hands clench his shoulders, as she held on for dear life.

He wanted her to have another climax. He knew she could.

He also knew that if he continued at his current pace for more than another few moments, it would be over for him and he wanted her to come undone first, while his body was claiming hers.

Pulling away slightly, he moved his hand between them, just enough to give him space to reach that most sensitive spot on any woman's body. Using two fingers to move against her, she hissed in reply, not expecting his touch, but welcoming it. Skilled in changing the motion and pressure, he could feel her begin to clench inside, sending them both on their way to heaven.

Shifting to look at her face, he was enthralled to watch as her beautiful blue eyes appeared unfocused and her breathing was rapid panting.

Realizing that he was watching her, she managed to smile at him, her eyes beginning to come back into focus, whispering, "I love you so much, darling." Reaching with one hand, she cupped his face, and whispered, "I'm…so close, my love."

He wanted to see her lose control. He was greedy. He had just seen her lose control and already he craved to see it again. He wanted to see her ecstasy on display, knowing it was his body that was driving her to that cliff and they would jump off together.

Continuing to thrust inside her, he was amazed at how easily he could slide back and forth within her. Give her enough time and attention and she rarely needed any artificial help, despite being past the change.

He knew that if she did not climax soon, he would have to move them to the bench as she suggested when she was confessing her fantasy. He kissed her neck and behind her ear, urging her, "Let go, Jess. Come for me. Let me hear you, my love," even as he continued to move his fingers over her and between them.

At his words, he felt her entire body begin to clench, both inside and out, as he pulled away to watch her face, as she at first held her breath, and then let it out in one rush of air as she moaned to rival anything he had ever heard her release before.

Watching her eyes widen and then flutter closed after her orgasm, he felt his own body come apart within her, even as he felt her hold him tightly against her.

Carefully, he lowered her leg back down beside him, even as they both groaned, this time from the stiffness settling into their bodies from being in a compromising position for so long.

"Are you alright, Jess?"

Chuckling, she said, "Oh, yes, my darling. A bit stiff and sore and my legs feel like jelly, but oh my, that was incredible," even as she placed a row of kisses down his neck and shoulder blade.

Leading her to the bench, he had her sit down, as he used his hands to gently massage her neck and shoulders, moving all the way down her back to her hips. He didn't stay in any one place long, as he was a bit stiff himself, but he wanted to make sure that she was relaxed and not in any pain.

Once he was sure she was alright, he washed his own hair and body quickly, as she continued sitting and watching him, with a small smile on her lips.

He knew she was spent, but he believed he had given her what she had asked for, and as he closed his eyes to step fully under the shower to rinse off, he was pleased at how their morning had gone so far.

Turning the water off, he opened his eyes and extended his hand to her, pulling her warm body up to meet his own.

Holding her flush against him, he knew it would be awhile before he could go again, but he could still enjoy the feeling of her against him.

"Jess?"

"Hmm?"

"You are awfully quiet. Are you sure you are okay?"

"I'm wonderful, Seth. But I am exhausted. I know you must be too."

"Then, why don't we go back to bed for a bit, my dear? We can go down to the beach later in the day."

"Are you sure? Aren't you hungry?"

He chuckled, "I am embarrassed to admit it, but I could do with a brief rest. Let's recharge for a bit and then we can rustle up brunch, instead of breakfast."

Wrapping a towel around her and drying her off, she laughed saying she could manage, but he patted her on the bottom and told her that he liked taking care of her, implying more than just drying her off with the look in his eyes, before turning her towards the bedroom.

Sliding back under the cover together, he spooned her, pulling her body against his own.

Jessica did not remember the last time she felt this fulfilled and tired all at once. But it was the most peaceful and relaxed form of exhaustion imaginable.

"Darling?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you. That was even better than my fantasy."

"It was amazing for me as well."

"It was?"

"Yes, it's wonderful to have the woman you love trust you with her body and her pleasure all at once," he said, placing a gentle kiss on her neck.

"I trust you with my life. I know you would never hurt me."

"Never."

She smiled at the vehemence in his voice. She leaned over to kiss his arm. She said sleepily, "Just you wait until it's my turn to pleasure you."

"Oh god, woman. I need to rest first."

Giggling, she said, "Me too."

S/J

Two hours later, they had woken up again and had brunch. Jessica had put on a fresh sundress and Seth had dressed in a pair of linen pants and a button-down shirt. After applying liberal amounts of sunblock, they took their coffee out to the poolside with their reading material, and lounged together in silence.

Jessica loved the sounds of nature. From this side of the house, the ocean was muted, but there were birds in the trees and a strong wind. It was peaceful to sit by her beloved in silence. Sipping their coffee, they read, often holding hands.

After a while, Jessica went to the kitchen to get a refill on their coffee and when she joined Seth again, she moved to the edge of the pool, raising her dress above her knees, and soaking her feet. The water felt wonderful. Kicking her feet back and forth under the surface of the warm water, she leaned back against her hands, gazing at the trees and flowers.

"It's lovely here, Seth."

"Ayuh, it is. You always choose wonderful vacation spots."

Smiling, she said, "Thank you. I appreciate that you always let me choose and don't mind when I decide to indulge."

"You work hard, Jess, and deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor."

"So do you, Seth. And your work saves lives. Mine just entertains people."

"So? Being entertained and experiencing enjoyment is often what gets us through the hard things in life."

"I know. But it hardly seems fair that you went through years of school and training…"

"Stop it, Jess," he said, firmly.

Startled, she made eye contact, wondering why he interrupted her, even as she knew that this was an old argument that they had long ago moved past.

Seth had many insecurities in the beginning of their relationship about finances and she had her own for different reasons. She did make many times over what Seth had ever made, but she was fiscally conservative. She had invested and saved well, created many trusts for all of her beneficiaries which included all of her nieces and nephews, with Grady and his family being her primary heirs, and she still had plenty left over for travel. Seth was old-fashioned and did not like feeling as though he could not provide or be the breadwinner for the woman he wanted to marry. Jessica felt guilty that her profession that was not a necessity for anyone, paid her so well beyond what she could have ever imagined.

After many talks and a few out and out arguments, they had reached a list of compromises. Seth paid for all of their living expenses in Cabot Cove. While they lived in her house on Candlewood Lane, it had become their house. Seth paid for everything from the homeowner's insurance to their weekly grocery bill. This allowed him to feel that he was providing for his wife.

Jessica was responsible for everything in their lives that was in excess to their everyday life necessities. All travel (unless it was for work in which case, her publisher paid) was paid by her, as well as all the extras of their life. If she wanted to go to Portland for a day of antiquing or out for a night of dinner and dancing, she paid the bill. That way, she could splurge on her clothes, shoes, handbags, and jewelry as she had always done, and while she sometimes still felt guilty about the excess and lack of need of any of it, it was not a hardship for Seth.

Once Seth fully retired, he had agreed to allow Jessica to help with their Cabot Cove expenses by adding her retirement and investment accounts to his meager ones, but they would fully iron out those details when that day came.

It had worked for them and by telling her to stop the conversation, Seth was telling her, none too subtly, that nothing would benefit either of them by rehashing it.

Idly, she wondered why her mind had gone down this old path. She realized that by being vulnerable sexually this morning, it had unlocked other vulnerabilities and insecurities that she still struggled with and Seth was such a wonderful spouse that he understood what she was rehashing in her mind and had the ability to challenge her to let it go. Odd how sex and money are two of the hardest and most vulnerable issues in many relationships.

"You're right, my dear. Forgive me?"

"Nothing to forgive, Jess."

Smiling, she pulled her legs and feet out of the water, and stood up to walk over to him.

Sitting on his lap, she buried her face in his neck, as he wrapped his arms around her body, pulling her close.

"I love you, Seth Hazlitt."

"I love you, Jessica Hazlitt."

"Think you have enough energy to take a walk on the beach now?"

"Ayuh, I would like that."

Reapplying sunblock, Seth put on a straw hat, and Jessica a wide brimmed one. Driving down the cliff road, Seth found a parking spot by the public beach. It was late enough in the day that while it was still several hours before sunset, the sun was no longer directly overhead either.

Walking down to the surf, Jessica convinced Seth to join her by removing their shoes and standing at the water's edge. The water was cool, despite the heat of the day.

Holding hands, while holding their shoes in the other, they walked for over a mile down the coast, with the water flowing over their feet. They were not in any hurry and other than the occasional comment about their surroundings, they walked in silence. They were at utter peace with each other and themselves. That peace had been a tremendous benefit for both of them and was a result of the fact that they had each married their best friend.