Chapter Five

Jessica woke up when she became too warm. Seth's arms were pinning her down. His head on her chest and one leg over hers.

"Seth," she said softly. She eased away from him and left the bed. She went into the bathroom and got cleaned up for the day. The shower was soothing and she took her time fixing her hair. It had been years since she shared a bed with a man. She trusted Seth, knew he wouldn't take advantage of her while sleeping. He was equally trusting it seemed.

He was awake when she exited the bathroom. It was early but he looked well rested. He was sitting up in bed with the covers up to his waist. "I hope this doesn't ruin my reputation," he smirked.

"Yes, telling anyone that all you did was sleep might ruin it," agreed Jessica. They were able to laugh and dispel any discomfort over sharing a bed.

Seth got up and trudged into the bathroom and Jessica dressed while he was showering. She made the bed and tidied the room. The owner, Martha, said breakfast began at seven AM but could make it earlier or later if they wanted it. Jessica had agreed to seven and it looked like they would make it in time.

Seth had taken his clothes in the bathroom so she checked through her suitcase to make sure she had everything, along with her overnight bag. Seth came out and they headed downstairs for breakfast.

He thought he had died and gone to heaven. Cheese blintzes, Denver omelets, golden diced potatoes with salsa, fruit medley, whole wheat toast, and steel cut oats with raisins. There was also cottage cheese, yogurt, and fruit danishes but he didn't have room on his plate for those. Jessica was staring at his plate and shaking her head but she was smiling. His upset stomach was already forgotten. She had an omelet with fruit and toast while drinking tea. He opted for piping hot coffee. She finished long before he did. Others joined them in the dining room and Jessica took the time to look at each of the couples.

One of the women was staring at her while talking to her partner. She hoped she wasn't recognized but it appeared her wish wasn't going to be granted.

"Are you JB Fletcher?" The woman called out from across the room. Silence fell and Jessica gave a small smile and nodded her head. The woman eagerly came over and asked her to sign her book, which was up in her room.

Of course Jessica agreed. The woman began telling everyone in the room that she was a famous mystery writer before hurrying to get the book. Seth was sitting back smirking and his eyes were laughing at her as she answered a myriad of questions from the occupants of the room. The woman returned with her book and Jessica signed it.

"Is this your husband?" she asked.

Jessica shook her head. "This is Dr. Hazlitt, a friend of mine."

The woman, Tina, as she had introduced herself looked at Jessica then at Seth, then back to Jessica. She had a small frown on her face and excused herself.

"What was that all about?" asked Jessica.

"I guess she doesn't like the company you keep, Jess." Seth harrumphed and continued eating. He looked over at the woman. She was whispering to her companion. "Or she believes you and I escaped our spouses and are having a wild affair. I noticed she glanced at both our wedding bands."

Jessica put her napkin on her plate. "I suppose she believes she's uncovered quite the scandal." Jessica rolled her eyes. "I probably lost a fan."

"Or gained a fanatic follower," remarked Seth. "She'll be telling the world she caught you at a retraite des amoureux.

Jessica couldn't stop the laugh that erupted from her mouth and picked up her napkin to cover it. "Even the folks in Cabot Cove would have a hard time believing it."

"Ayuh," agreed Seth. "Let's hit the road. A storm is supposed to be brewing and I hear flash flooding is possible on these desert roads." They rose and went upstairs to their room.

Jessica freshened up while Seth gathered their luggage and placed it outside their room door. He found a wheeled cart near the small elevator and wheeled it over to their luggage. Within a few minutes they were checked out of their room and on the road again. Martha, owner of the B & B, had her sign a new registration card that could be pinned to her bulletin board. Jessica praised the lovely inn and wonderful owner and signed her name.

The sky was gray and it seemed likely that rain was on the way.

"I think we can keep ahead of that storm, Jess, but it says we might have rain tomorrow too." He gave a sigh. He was concerned about possible hail or tornadoes. "We need to stop for groceries too."

"We can make it quick, Seth. You shop one half of the store and I'll shop the other half," reasoned Jessica. She wasn't the one that liked to browse every aisle in the grocery store.

They were only an hour from the campsite when the heavens opened and stormy clouds gave way to torrential rain. Seth had to slow down considerably and turned on the radio to find a weather update.

Jessica had faith in Seth's driving but the rain was coming down hard. She gave a sigh of relief when they drove through the campsite gates.

Seth hurried into the camp office while Jessica waited in the car. It didn't take long to register and get the key to their cabin. He listened carefully to the instructions on how to reach it and where to park before joining Jessica again.

"It's almost half a mile west of here, Jess." He started the car and turned on the windshield wipers. "I'll need your help navigating. We have permission to park at the door to unload and then we have to park in the carport because the car might get stuck in the mud."

It was very slow traveling to the cabin. Visibility was poor and muddy water was washing over the road. They were under a flash flood watch but were assured that the cabin was on elevated ground. The cabins they passed were on higher grounds and they seemed well built. Due to the darkening sky, all the cabins were brightly lit.

Seth parked two feet from the front door. "Jess, why don't you run to the porch? It's covered and no point in both of us getting soaked." Seth handed her the key.

Jessica took the key, opened her door, and was immediately soaked by the rain. She touched the first step and slipped and fell on her behind. Seth was immediately at her side and helped her to stand. He ran back to the car and grabbed both suitcases and placed them by the door and then ran back for the box of groceries and bags they picked up before they arrived.

Jessica unlocked the door and grabbed her suitcase and carried it inside. She looked around after turning on the light. It was a nice sized room with a sofa and loveseat. A table for four was just to the left of the kitchen. The kitchen had a stovetop, a microwave, but no oven. The refrigerator was small but inside was clean. At the back of the living room were two doors that opened to the bedrooms. To the far side of the living room, on the opposite end from the kitchen, was a small bathroom. Pedestal sink, toilet, and a long but narrow shower. There were four towels on a rack and bottles of soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.

The cabin was small for four people but adequate for two. Jessica was soaked and dripped her way into the bathroom to dry off. She wrapped herself in a towel and put another one around her shoulders before entering her bedroom. She heard Seth enter the bathroom while she was dressing in dry clothes.

Warm and dry, she went into the kitchen to start a pot of soup. She could simmer it on the stovetop for a couple of hours. She located everything she needed although Seth had put away the groceries.

By nightfall the rain had increased. Fed and dressed for bed, they sat on the sofa, each reading their own book. Every now and then one of them made a comment. Jessica couldn't help noticing how cozy it was. She couldn't imagine being more comfortable with anyone else.

Seth stepped outside on the porch once to see if water was accumulating but it wasn't. Earlier he had checked all the windows and even the ceiling for leaks.

"I think we should be safe and sound," declared Seth. "This cabin is very well constructed. Built in the twenties when lumber was cheap and plentiful."

"The rain is certainly coming down in sheets," said Jessica. "At least it isn't cold. The thermometer on the porch says it's almost eighty degrees."

Jessica watched Seth get up and walk around.

"Something on your mind, Seth?"

"I was thinking about our earlier conversation, uh..about dating," he answered.

Jessica closed her book and turned her complete attention on him. "So, you're thinking about dating? Is it because of Mort? Getting married, I mean."

"Actually it's been on my mind much longer. Before he even met Maureen, I thought about it. He just moved faster than I did."

"Are you lonely, Seth?" Jessica was watching him with concern.

"At times," he admitted. He went to stand by her. Picking up her hand, he gave it a squeeze. "I know I have you and that keeps the loneliness at bay during the day but there are times…"

"You want someone special to share moments with?" she finished for him.

"I want to go to bed at night holding someone. I want someone to cherish. I miss doing that," he admitted. "I've been alone for many years now. I should be used to it."

"I know what you mean," said Jessica. "When I see couples it's hard not to tell them to appreciate what they have."

Both sank into silence before Jessica gave his hand a squeeze. "I'm not going to stay here and get depressed, Seth Hazlitt. Now you entertain me and make me laugh."

Seth grinned. "Alright, let's see what I can do." Seth had always been a fair hand at gossip and regaled her with stories, innuendos, and outright lies that had her laughing merrily.

Jessica hadn't laughed so hard for so long in ages. "Seth, you're lying! Stop pulling my leg!"

"Pulling your leg, am I?" Seth made a grab for her leg and began tickling her mercilessly.

Seth stared at her as she laughed. She was so beautiful. It was breathtaking. She had her hand on her chest as she breathed heavily. He couldn't resist pulling her into a hug. She threw her arms around him as she stopped laughing. Tension quickly filled the room as she pulled back slowly. She leaned her forehead against his.

"You make me so happy, Seth." Neither knew who moved first but their lips met in a gentle kiss. The kiss grew and became something different from the other kisses they shared.

Seth pulled back reluctantly. "I think we better call it a night before we get carried away."

Jessica sighed. It was true. "I'll see you in the morning then. Goodnight." She moved to stand up but Seth rose first and held out his hand. He helped her stand then watched as she went into her bedroom.

He went into his own room and removed his robe. He enjoyed kissing Jessica. He wondered what she thought about the kisses they've shared. It wasn't like her not to speak up about something but then neither did he. Was she waiting until they were back home because she didn't want to spoil their vacation? He thought about the time he had eaten a poisoned apple meant for her. When he woke up, he knew she would be in the waiting room, eager to know what was happening with him. He hadn't been prepared for her tears though. He knew he held a soft spot in her heart but she had been so worried for him. He didn't tell her he was happy she hadn't eaten it and would gladly eat another one if it prevented her from doing so. She wouldn't have been found for hours probably and more than likely by him. It was a terrible thought.

Jessica was having her own conflictions about their kisses. Normally she would have asked him what his intentions were at the very least but she was worried about his answer. He wouldn't want something casual, would he? She lay in bed thinking about Seth. When she got him that chess set, he had been so touched. He usually groused about getting a gift from her if it wasn't Christmas or his birthday. He had kissed her then too but not before she had seen his eyes soften and tear up a little. She had been tempted to hug him but had been afraid for some reason. Was she ready? And what about all those condoms?

Without a doubt, they needed to talk but why rush? They were on vacation.