I can only apologize and say I was influenced by someone that doesn't like cooperating when trying to collaborate and I am not certain he enjoys Jessica and the gang as much as I do.
"Woman, you must have hit your head and your brains leaked out!"
Seth Hazlitt was in fine form. Jessica had to admit their trip had been going swimmingly. She invited Seth to travel to Vancouver, Canada with her while she researched her next mystery novel. Seth had been enthusiastic and travel arrangements were easily made.
They had flown directly into Vancouver and would spend a week there before returning by train across Canada. They would also visit Niagara Falls before returning to Cabot Cove.
While Seth had been ecstatic to see Canada, Jessica had been elated to spend time alone with him again. Last Christmas she had given him a train engine and he seemed happy to receive it. He had been a little more open, a little more receptive, to accepting things from her. This in turn gave her the opportunity to spend more time with him. He no longer complained about the cost of transportation or accommodations. He allowed her to pay without making a fuss and she tried to do it unobtrusively by prepaying as often as she could. They had made several small trips together since then.
The extra time together, away from Cabot Cove, was bringing about other advantages. Seth was relaxed and could be charming while she was laughing more and working less. He allowed her to work mornings while he explored and he shared his day with her at dinner. He was still working but now that he had a partner for coverage, he could easily leave a week each month to travel with her.
What Jessica realized pretty early on was her comfort level had expanded. She was usually relaxed around him but now she could put her head on his shoulder while watching television without feeling she crossed a boundary she shouldn't. They still hadn't made a step in a romantic direction. She wasn't even sure Seth would welcome a relationship with her.
Currently however Seth was being stubborn.
"Seth, I told you there was a suspension bridge to cross," began Jessica. "You aren't afraid of heights."
"No, I'm afraid of falling from heights!" He got a sheepish look on his face before he covered it with anger.
"You used to jump out of planes," reasoned Jessica, before remembering she shouldn't reference military experiences. Any time war or the armed forces were mentioned Seth became guarded. He had told her there were experiences he never wanted to relive although he was grateful he survived.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge wasn't the highest or even the longest bridge in Canada but it was two hundred and thirty feet above a gorge and nearly five hundred feet long.
"If you'd rather not cross it, we can hike back the way we came. I'm not going to insist, Seth." Jessica was reasonable about the matter.
Seth huffed. He was starting to feel like a heel. Even though he wasn't complaining about accepting 'charity' as he called it. He didn't want to waste her money either. He knew the cost of the trip and even half of the expenses were completely out of his ability to pay.
Jessica grabbed his hand and started walking back the way they had come. "It's okay, Seth. I can return another time."
For the first time in a while he was feeling uncomfortable. He wanted to pull his hand away and walk away from her but he wouldn't be rude. Not to her. While there wasn't anyone nearby when they reached the bridge, they would be crossing paths with others pretty shortly. He didn't want to sort through his emotions so he reverted to his normal feelings of anger.
Jessica knew he wanted her to drop his hand which is why she held on tighter. It hadn't dawned on her that the bridge would be an issue but thinking about it now, she should have known. She would just return tomorrow morning and cross the bridge alone.
Jessica was not going to allow him to sulk or mope around. He would become churlish if she was too understanding so she became brisk and ignored his mood. As they neared the entrance to the park, Seth moved on ahead and went into the restroom. Jessica went into the ladies room and washed her hands. While Seth was out exploring tomorrow, she would cross the bridge. She also had an interview reserved with one of the park rangers tomorrow morning.
It wasn't long before they were back on their normal footing. Neither one could be peeved with the other for very long. A pleasant evening and an early night and the incident was practically forgotten.
At breakfast the next morning she told him she would see him later in the afternoon or if they missed each other, they would have dinner at six. He agreed and after confirming she was going to meet with the park ranger, he returned to his room to grab a lightweight, long sleeved shirt just in case the weather turned.
Her interview with the park ranger was rescheduled. Windy weather was forecast and if the gusts were too strong, they'd have to stop the bridge crossing. He told Jessica she better do it now in case it was closed later that day and possibly tomorrow.
The wind had picked up when she got nearer to the bridge. Up ahead she saw a figure staring out across the bridge. The man looked like Seth from behind. She called out and her eyes widened when she saw it was him.
"Seth?"
"Ayuh, I thought I'd try again," admitted Seth. "I thought you had an interview." He didn't want her to witness his attempt.
"Rescheduled because of the weather. The bridge might get closed until the day after tomorrow."
Seth stared out over the bridge again.
"Why don't you walk behind me? You can put your hands on my shoulder," suggested Jessica.
Seth looked skeptical but he agreed. The first ten yards were easy. If a natural disaster struck, they could still run back in time. Jessica didn't say anything but he was gripping her shoulders tightly and she hoped there wouldn't be a bruise.
At the midpoint, she stopped and looked down. The water was flowing rapidly and the breeze was invigorating. She looked back at Seth and took in his pale face. His eyes were closed shut. His fingers trembled and Jessica was worried.
"We've reached the halfway mark, Seth. Let's get to the other side." But pausing allowed Seth's mind to catch up with his actions and he was frozen in place.
"I don't think I can go on," he said, gruffly.
She turned around slowly so she wouldn't dislodge his hand from her shoulders. "We can do this, Seth."
He was shaking his head no. "This was a very bad idea. Maybe someone else will come along and help."
"Seth, there is no one in sight."
"You probably think I'm less of a man," mumbled Seth.
Jessica stared at him. She knew his fear was real. "Trust me, Seth. I have an idea." She took his hands in hers and slowly turned around. She stepped back until her back was against his chest. He went to put his hands on her shoulders again but she reached up and stopped him. Moving carefully she brought his hands around to her front, letting him cup her breasts.
"Uh, um, Jess?"
"Let's get moving, Seth." Taking a careful step she began walking. Seth was distracted and walked behind her not paying any attention to his surroundings.
There was still quite a distance to go when Seth's hands began moving across her chest. She tried not to respond to his touches but her body betrayed her. She knew he could feel how much he was arousing her.
She nearly moaned when his hands slipped beneath her sweater. The warmth of his fingers against her cool skin felt wonderful. One hand was edging beneath the bottom of her bra and his fingers were pushing it up.
"Seth!'
His fingers stopped pushing and he brought his hands around to her back. She began to relax until she felt her bra give away. He unfastened her! His fingers were back, tweaking her nipples and she couldn't stop the moan that escaped. She walked a little faster. Seth managed to keep up without difficulty.
As soon as she stepped off the bridge, she turned around to face him. She reached behind her, fumbling a little, and fastened her bra. Her face was red but Seth's was no longer pale. He grasped her hand and walked a few yards. The wind wasn't any stronger and it no longer looked like rain.
"I think it's clearing," said Jessica, looking up at the sky. She tried to calm down. "Why don't we head down that path and exit to the East." She pointed out the desired direction with her finger.
"Maybe we should go back the way we came?" questioned Seth. "I'd like another chance to overcome my fear." He tried to look innocent.
"I think you've taken advantage of enough liberties today, Seth." She tried to look stern but her blush gave her away.
"Did I ever mention my fear of snakes?" He pointed to a small garter snake hurrying away from them. The snake was no larger than six inches.
"And what will you need to overcome it?" she asked, amused.
Seth moved closer and put his arm around her waist. "Why don't we go back to the room and discuss it?"
"You aren't going to offer to show me your etchings, are you?"
"I don't have any here but I can put a sock on the doorknob if you wish."
Jessica smiled and shook her head. Seth hurried her back to the hotel, crossing the bridge without pausing although she held his hand while his other hand held onto the rail. They reached their room in record time. Whatever happened after is another story.