George Sutherland, Chief Inspector of Scotland Yard, was barely listening. He had been in meetings all day and he wanted nothing more than to leave the department and head for the airport. Jessica was coming in this evening and finally the stars were aligned, the gods were smiling, and his lucky rabbit's foot was working. She was only in town for a meeting tomorrow but she extended her trip a few more days so they could spend time together. Jessica Fletcher had captured his heart and he eagerly hoped she would let him in hers.
He was encouraged that she called him and made plans to meet up. He had been feeling rather low lately thinking they were destined to be pen pals and occasionally see one another. He decided he would take her dancing tomorrow evening. Her meeting would be over and she wouldn't have to wake early the following morning so they could stay out late.
He never dreamed he would find someone so wonderful as Jessica, not at his age. To find love once in a lifetime was hard enough but twice? What was even better is that she is nothing like his wife, Lucy. It had been a traditional marriage that had no children. His wife was content to be a housewife, to support her husband and his unusual working hours. She had volunteered at the church, at the nursery school, and at the Red Cross. Keeping house took up the rest of her time and while it might not have been exciting, she had seemed more than content. She told him she was happy and thanked him before she died for giving her a wonderful marriage.
Chairs were being pushed back and his attention turned back to the present. Meeting over, he hurried to his office to grab his jacket. He was out of the lot and headed to the airport before anyone could stop him with mundane matters.
Jessica checked her face in her compact mirror while waiting for the plane to empty so they could go through customs. She had nothing to declare so she breezed through and entered the terminal. George would use his credentials to meet her at the gate instead of down in baggage claim.
And there he was. He immediately smiled upon seeing her and pulled her into his arms, swiftly kissing her cheek.
"George, it's so good to see you!" Jessica leaned back to take a good look at him. His green eyes were twinkling brightly.
"Hungry?"
"Famished," she acknowledged. "I didn't want to ruin my appetite by eating on the plane."
"Let's grab your luggage and find a pub. I waited on you, just in case." George picked up her carryon bag and held her hand with his free one.
They waited at the baggage carousel with George holding her against him. Jessica was surprised but the carousel was taking a long time to begin unloading luggage.
"Mummy, can you buy me one of those necklaces that lady is wearing?"
The question came from behind Jessica and she turned her head to look at the child asking the question.
"They don't sell those anymore. Only old people wear them nowadays," answered the mother.
Jessica stiffened but relaxed as George's hand rubbed her back. George kissed the side of her head and muttered about the reasons why children are growing up without manners.
Within an hour they had collected her one suitcase, navigated through airport traffic and then London traffic and George parked in front of one of his favorite pubs.
They made it an early night since traveling can be so tiring. A hearty meal, a slow drive to the Savoy, and a promise to meet at eight the next night for dining and dancing and they said goodnight.
Jessica's day was hurried. She rarely overslept but the next morning she woke up half an hour late. Not too bad but her body wanted more sleep and she had to gulp her tea in order to meet her car on time. The meeting that followed continued well into the lunch hour and she was ravenous. Unfortunately, lunch was sandwiches and salads and she wanted something substantial. It was six hours before dinner and Jessica didn't think she could last that long so as soon as she returned to the hotel she ordered a bowl of soup with several rolls.
Jessica put her earrings in her ear and looked in the mirror. She was wearing a deep royal blue dress with a long, full skirt. Her heels were modest but the sandals showed off her pedicure and her legs appeared longer.
Dabbing perfume behind her ears she looked herself over. With a small laugh she put a little perfume at her cleavage wondering if George would ever know. The last time they saw each other, George kissed her passionately one evening. It was a surprise. George explained by saying he was just wondering but she felt he was hoping an invitation would be forthcoming.
She knew he was being patient, never pushing her beyond her comfort level but how long would he wait? For years she couldn't even fathom wanting to be with someone in that special way but as the years passed, she acknowledged that she missed having someone in her life. The intimate friendship she had with Frank was the deepest she ever felt for someone. She may not have another in her lifetime but something close might suffice. She never imagined she would consider having a lover at her age. She never had an affair before but she was thawing from what she considered a deep freeze.
Was George the one? Would her heart break if they separated later?
A knock on her door drew her from her thoughts and she went to let George inside her room. Opening the door, he stood there looking entirely too handsome in his tuxedo. She had to draw in a deep breath.
"Good evening lass, you're looking lovely."
"Thank you, George." She let him kiss her cheek and took the flowers he carried. She knew he was watching her while she found a tall glass for the flowers.
"I'm ready," she announced.
George walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulders. He smiled down at her slightly. "Ready?"
She knew he was asking something else but she didn't have an answer so she picked up her wrap and smiled at him. He didn't press her.
George helped her from the car and took her arm. The restaurant was well lit and he could hear the upbeat tempo from the band.
The maitre d checked his reservation list and snapped his fingers. A young man in a tuxedo approached to take them to their table. "Do you need something close to the band?" he asked.
George looked at him puzzled. The young man led them to a table midway through the room. George nodded it was fine.
"It's the salsa hour but they'll do the slow songs after," offered their waiter. He detailed the specials of the evening and left them to peruse the menu.
"He must think we're ancient," muttered Jessica. "I'm surprised he didn't offer to seat us with the band so we could hear better."
George looked around the room. "This is a younger crowd than I expected but they're not exactly teenagers on the dance floor."
"It seems like we appear, or at least I do, to be ready for my dotage."
"Not a chance," assured George. "You're like a fine wine, or even better, a bottle of single malt whiskey getting better as you get older. You've many years ahead of you and I hope to enjoy them all with you." He smiled winningly at her and she returned it.
"You always say the right words, George."
The waiter returned and after placing their order, George led her onto the dance floor. Both were graceful dancers and had even danced the salsa before together so their movements were smooth and others watched and tried to emulate their moves.
Their salads were delivered to their table so they finished their dance and headed back to their table to begin eating.
It was a lovely evening and Jessica was enjoying herself. George was a great conversationalist and very agreeable to her wishes. The music changed as another hour began. The band gave way to a larger ensemble and the strains of violins were heard. Knowing waltzes and Foxtrots weren't obligatory but it helped.
George was holding her close, very close. His hand was on her back, the other holding her hand and her head was close to his shoulder. She wished she could stay this close forever. He pressed her head against his shoulder and she felt his lips kiss the curve of her neck gently.
She leaned back and looked at him curiously. He was looking sheepish.
"Your perfume has been tantalizing me since we began dancing." He said apologetically.
She smiled brightly.
"You smell so good." George smoothly led her closer to their table. Always a gentleman, he pulled out her chair for her and got her settled before sitting down. He clasped her hand across the table, careful to touch her left hand so she could still eat.
Their waiter visited three times while they lingered over dessert. George was puzzled until Jessica informed him that the waiter probably assumed it was past their bedtime. They laughed as the waiter approached again.
"My good man, it's just after ten o'clock. We don't have a curfew." Jessica smiled broadly at George as he chided the waiter.
The waiter turned red, embarrassed and urged them to take their time.
They spent another hour dancing before they headed back to her hotel.
"Does the world see us as dinosaurs, George? Extinct and destined to be forgotten?" The ride to the hotel wouldn't take long since it was nearing midnight.
"I prefer to think of us as legendary creatures. We are aging slowly and gracefully but mentally and emotionally we're still as powerful as ever."
Invited inside for a nightcap, George took a seat on the sofa while Jessica went to the mini-bar to see what was stocked. She sat beside him and handed him a tumbler containing whiskey and she held a glass of white wine for herself.
George wanted to kiss her. They both knew it. He kept looking at her neck and she couldn't help thinking a kiss or two couldn't hurt. Taking the last swallow of her wine, she placed the glass on the table beside her. George had already finished his whiskey and scooted closer to her.
"Would you like to take a train to Edinburgh tomorrow? It's less than five hours and we could talk uninterrupted. We can have lunch in the city, walk around a bit and return here in time for dinner." His eyes bored into hers.
"That sounds like a grand idea, George," replied Jessica. Their heads were coming closer and Jessica knew a kiss was going to come very soon.
And it was all she could have hoped for in a kiss. They had kissed plenty of times but chaste kisses on the cheek or even on the lips was par for the course. When he sought entry inside, she gladly parted her lips for him. She didn't think. She just wanted to feel, to savor. It wasn't long before passion was warming her soul. It had been so long since she allowed herself to indulge.
George couldn't believe it. Jessica was letting him kiss her the way he always wanted. Her arms were wrapped around his neck and he kept his hands on her upper arms, at first. Eventually he moved them up to her shoulders before one arm came down and slowly drifted from her neck downward.
Jessica moaned in his mouth as his hand began caressing her. She broke the kiss with a surge of willpower that surprised her. "It's so hard," she murmured.
George pulled away and looked at her incredulously. Jessica turned bright red and began stuttering. "I mean..I mean it's difficult…not easy to stop kissing you."
George smiled. "We needn't go further than kissing if that's your wish." He brushed a finger across her cheek. "Just let me kiss you once more."
She nodded in agreement and George bent closer until his lips moved softly over her neck. She tilted it upward to give him more access. She was suddenly giddy that she had placed perfume very near to where his lips were headed.
He was going to take all that she was willing to give. Once again his hand began roaming over her. Her moans were music to his ears. It was only when his thumb began circling her nipple over the fabric of her dress that she began pulling away. Breathing heavily, he gave way easily and sat up. He had been practically lying on top of her.
"What must you think of me?" she whispered.
"I think you realize that you're a vibrant, sexy woman with needs. You're with a man that loves you and is willing to wait however long it takes until you're ready." He kissed the tip of her nose. "It doesn't have to be tonight, love."
"I do love you, George."
He took her in his arms and hugged her. With a final kiss, he stood. "Is seven too early in the morning? There's another train we can catch at eight."
He's so amazing and willing to follow my lead, she thought. "I've changed my mind…" she began. She watched his face fall in disappointment. "Let's go the day after, on Thursday. I think I want to sleep in tomorrow." She took his hand and headed for the bedroom.
It only took a minute for him to realize what she meant. The trip to Scotland was forgotten as he closed the door behind him. He watched as she slowly undressed for him. She took her time and he smiled as she teased him. Each time he tried to undress himself she would stop him until she finally told him that his focus was supposed to be on her for now.
After an excruciatingly long time, she was finally undressed. She motioned for him to begin while she watched. It took him thirty seconds to disrobe and toss everything on the floor. She couldn't help laughing at his eager display of undressing. He joined her on the bed and kissed her.
Morning came early for the couple in bed. Snuggled close, he sleepily opened his eyes. It was still dark out and inhaling the scent of her hair, he closed his eyes again. They had all the time in the world like when dinosaurs roamed the earth.