Thank you for your prompt responses. Makes me feel much more at ease!
To answer your questions:
1. No, the virus does not transfer well to another surface if the skin from where it is shedding (if it was at all in the first place).
2. No it is generally not possible, herpes will pretty much do what it does best upon an initial infection, result in blisters.
99% of the time cold and flu symptoms are just that!
There would be essentially a zero chance of infection given the episode you describe and lack of subsequent symptoms. Your symptoms and those of your partner are unrelated to herpes.