by penny watson
Before she could catch her breath, Nicholas had crawled up her body and thrust into her sheath, riding out the final waves of her climax.
“That’s it, Lucy Anne. Show me how you feel. This doesn’t lie.” His strokes were deep and powerful, and she was held spellbound by the raw desire etched on his face. For one moment, Nicholas stopped and held himself completely still, searching her eyes for the answers he was hoping for. The shooting stars hovered silently in the air around them, also holding their breath. And then he shouted victoriously as his orgasm crashed through him, pulsing inside of Lucy, filling her.
Nicholas slumped over Lucy’s body, panting and trembling. Quietly he asked, “So tell me, did I find the secret recipe to make you stay? What will it take, my sweet?” He nuzzled the side of her neck. “Take a chance on us. I’m offering you a life of passion and adventure. Don’t throw it away.”
The words she longed to say clogged in her throat. She simply held onto Nicholas and stroked his back. Lucy refused to torture him with empty words and promises. Reflections of the flickering fire glowed in his eyes, liquid with emotion and vulnerability. Nicholas sighed.
“At least think about it tonight. Tomorrow is another chance for me to convince you that you can’t live without me.” He kissed her forehead tenderly and turned her onto her side, pulling a blanket over them. His shaft slipped from inside of her, and she instantly felt bereft. This is the last night Nicholas and I will make love. Her heart was breaking, literally splitting in two.
“Sweet dreams, Lucy Anne. Dream about us. We’ll work it out in the morning.” Nicholas spooned her tightly as he fell asleep, with his arms wrapped securely around her, as though afraid to let her go. The sternschnuppen were oddly quiet until Nicholas’s breathing became deep and even, and then they began to sing for her. A sad, wistful song that made her ache. Their music was hollow now, like the wind on the snow plains outside of Glasdorf. They knew what she was planning to do. And they made no secret of the fact that they disapproved. Tears fell silently down Lucy’s cheeks as the shooting stars returned to the magik pebbles, sighing one last time before they fizzled out. She was not looking forward to tomorrow.
Lucy’s hands trembled as she finished the note for Nicholas. She had to hurry and make her escape before he woke up. He was snoring in the rumpled sleigh bed, still snuggled up in a blanket. Lucy had already called Markus and asked him to meet her secretly at Nicholas’s cottage. Before she flew back to the Sudenwelt, she was determined to leave Nicholas one small gift. Quickly she scribbled a few lines onto a piece of paper in the kitchen, and then tied it into a scroll with a piece of cooking twine.
“Miss Lucy, what is going on?” Lucy turned to find Markus staring at her with a concerned look. “You sounded most distraught on the phone. Is everything okay?”
“No, actually, it’s not. I…I have to go, Markus. Home. Back to Eston, to Sweet Inspiration.”
“What? This cannot be. You and Nicholas…well,it’s apparent to me that the two of you have formed quite an attachment. Why ever would you want to leave?”
“It’s complicated, Markus. Suffice it to say that Nicholas needs all of his energy focused on the upcoming Überholen, and I’m too big a distraction. He made a huge sacrifice bringing me here to save my life. He risked being expelled from Glasdorf. Now it’s my turn to make a sacrifice for him. The children of the world deserve a Santa Claus whose whole heart is involved in his job. They come before my own selfish needs.”
Markus shook his head. “I don’t believe this. Nicholas loves you, Miss.”
“He hasn’t told me that. Look, I really have to go before he gets home. Could you please take me back on one of those magic sleighs? Please, I need your help.” Tears were now leaking down her cheeks. “We have to hurry.”
Markus stepped forward and stared up into Lucy’s anguished face. He clasped her hands and squeezed. “I fear you are making a big mistake, Lucy Anne. Nicholas loves you, even if he hasn’t said so. He will be crushed by your departure.”
“It’s for the best, Markus.” Lucy’s throat felt raw. She propped up the note and scroll on the kitchen counter, right next to his gleaming espresso machine. “Good bye, Nicholas Sebastian Klaus.”
Lucy turned to Markus. “I’m ready. Let’s go.” Before I lose my nerve.
Nicholas was exhausted. He and Lucy had made love two more times during the night. He’d been ravenous for her. And lucky for him, Lucy seemed to have a healthy appetite for him, as well. Making love to her was utterly addictive.
He sat up and rubbed his beard. “Lucy? Where are you?”
Utter silence echoed through the house. A feeling of unease crept down Nicholas’s spine. It almost felt as though some of the magic had disappeared. Which was ridiculous, of course. Only the elves could control the magic in Glasdorf. He stood up and wrapped a blanket around his waist as he headed into the kitchen.
“Lucy?” Nicholas flipped on the light switch in the kitchen. Immediately his gaze shot to several pieces of paper next to his coffee machine. He froze, and suddenly it became difficult to breathe.
He stared at the papers for a long time before he gathered the courage to start walking. First he picked up a folded note with Nicholas scrawled across the top.
Dear Nicholas, I am so sorry that I’m not here to tell you good-bye in person, but the truth is I am a coward. These last four days have been the most wonderful days of my life. I can never possibly repay you for saving me and giving me the adventure of a lifetime. I am convinced that us being together will threaten your future success as Santa Claus. There are just too many obstacles to overcome. I cherished our time together, but it’s time for me to set aside my own selfish desires for the good of children worldwide who are counting on you to be the Santa of their dreams. Anyway, it’s probably time for me to get back to Sweet Inspiration. I worked hard to make my business a success, and it’s time I returned to Eston. Thank you for everything, and please thank your family, and all of the elves, too.
Love, Lucy
Nicholas reread the note about a dozen times before the meaning of the words began to sink in. A scroll neatly tied with string was next to the coffee machine as well. He slowly untied the bow.
I wish I could get you something amazing for Christmas. You deserve it. This is all I can think of to give you before I go. Please think of me when you make them…Lucy Anne’s Sugar Cookies…
What followed was a list of ingredients and the directions for Lucy’s delicious cookies. The ones that had instantly captured his attention the first day he visited Sweet Inspiration. He read through the list and smiled suddenly as he reached the end.
“Orange blossom water. That’s the secret. I should have known.” Nicholas laughed as tears splattered on the recipe, turning the ink into a blotchy mess. That was just like her. To include something unexpected, something unique and fun to a traditional recipe to make it her own. The citrus brightened up the flavor, made it perfect.
Nicholas sank down onto the floor. He stayed there for a long time, long after the last rays of sun disappeared and the blackness of night descended over Glasdorf. Many hours later, he finally dragged himself to bed. The last rational thought he had before sleep relieved him of his pain was that the council was wrong. The red sphere was wrong. He and Lucy were not meant to be.
“Holy shite, Nicholas looks bad.” Oskar shook his head as he watched his oldest brother slumped at the bar.
“You’re telling me. According to Dag, the poor guy’s been here for days. Bartender is starting to water down his pitchers. Worried he’s going to get sick all over the joint,” added Sven.
“I can’t believe it’s been a week since the carnival and he’s still a mess.” Wolfgang peered anxiously at his brother from the back of the room. He, Oskar, Sven and Gregor sat at a table in a darkened corner of the bar, so that they could observe Nicholas discreetly.
Gregor whispered to his brothers. “I heard the council gave him crap about playing Santa at the carn
ival. They told him he has a lot of work to do before the Überholen. Truthfully, I’ve never seen Nicholas as the Santa Claus type. He’s too uptight and obsessed with food.”
“I know he’s been dreading the Überholen for a while. I thought maybe he would rustle up a little enthusiasm for the job, but it just doesn’t suit him, you know?” Sven commented.
Oskar agreed. “He’s gotten more and more depressed about it. I feel for the guy. Dad’s definitely a hard act to follow. It seemed like Lucy snapped him out of his funk for a bit. It’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him.”
“I really liked her. They were good together. Nicholas needs someone to lighten him up a little bit,” said Gregor.
Oskar laughed. “And the girl has spunk. Nicholas fell for her pretty fast. He’s usually so cautious about everything. For once he took a chance, and he got burned—bad.”
Wolfgang nodded. “I can’t believe that Lucy left. You could tell she was nuts about him. Her whole face lit up every time Nicholas looked at her. It doesn’t make any sense.”
“Markus told me she thought she was an impediment to Nicholas embracing his new role as the Weihnachtsmann. He thinks some of the council members may have talked to her, made her feel guilty,” said Gregor.
“Damned meddling elves. They should mind their own freakin’ business. Nicholas and Lucy were doing just fine,” Oskar’s voice raised in anger.
“Look,” Wolfie interjected, “we can’t let him suffer like this. We have to do something.”
“What do you suggest?” Gregor asked.
“I sort of agree with you about Nicholas not being the Santa type. What if someone else took the job?”
Oskar, Sven and Gregor regarded Wolfgang in silence.
“Just what are you suggesting, brother dearest?” Sven’s gaze was riveted on Nicholas’s depressed expression.
Oskar looked at his brothers expectantly. “Wolfie’s right. There’s no reason that Nicholas has to be the one, except for some dumb-ass tradition that makes no sense. Anyone should be able to do the job, as long as he’s willing and able…”
“And likes to boss people around…” added Gregor.
“He’d be revered as the coolest guy on earth,” said Sven.
“It would be a chance to travel and meet fascinating people,” observed Wolfie.
“We’ve been watching dad in action for long enough, we know the drill. It’s not that bad. He has a ton of help and support from us and the elves. And once Christmas is over, it’s vacation time!” Oskar smiled.
“Okay, so who’s going to do this?” Gregor eyed his brothers thoughtfully. “Who’s the best suited to play Santa?”
Wolfie laughed. “Actually, we don’t really have to decide this now. The Überholen isn’t for another twelve months. That gives us some time to figure out which one of us is going to win the lottery. In the meantime, it lets poor Nicholas off the hook, and he can make up with Lucy before he jumps off a bridge.”
“Good point, Wolfman. Do you think the council will go for it?” Oskar asked.
Gregor nodded. “I do. I think they’ve been worried about Nicholas not cutting it. They’ll probably be relieved to hear someone else is gunning for the job.”
“All right. Let’s go talk to dad and the council. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I don’t want Nicholas’s holiday to be ruined by all this melodrama.” Sven watched as Nicholas rubbed a weary hand over his closed eyes. “It’s making me sick to see him so bummed out.”
Wolfgang opened the door for his brothers and the four of them filed out of Dag’s bar. He gazed one last time at his brother’s wilted form.
Hold on, Nicholas. We’re getting you a Christmas present you’ll never forget.
“I’m telling you, Mr. Klaus, Lucy was madly in love with you. It was obvious to everyone.” Max, the elf in charge of the Pfefferkuchen room, watched in alarm as his boss took another swig from the flask in his fist. Nicholas sat on the floor of his office, legs splayed out in front of him on the oriental carpet.
“I saw her with you at the carnival. There was love in her eyes. She couldn’t hide it,” added Greta, one hand resting on her plump belly.
“Sir, I think maybe you’ve had enough spirits. It’s only 8:30 a.m., after all. It’s Christmas Eve, sir. We have quite a lot of work to get done today.”
Nicholas shook his head at Markus, who was sporting a perturbed look. He knew he looked somewhat worse for the wear. Well, much worse for the wear. His shirttails were untucked, and some mystery stain was decorating the front of his apron. He hadn’t showered in days, and his hair was greasy and itchy. He sniffed an underarm. Smelled a bit ripe, too. Nicholas burped up his scotch, and then hastily covered his mouth.
“Well, excuse me. This scotch is rather good. It’s Lagavulin, you know, aged thirty years. Wanna try some, Markus?”
“No thank you, sir. I really think you’ve had enough.” He sat down next to Nicholas on the floor. “I think it’s time for this pity party to end. The sleighs have to be loaded up today. Santa is counting on you, Nicholas. So are the children.”
“I wonder what Lucy is doing today? Probably cooking an enormous holiday roast for that annoying Mrs. Henderson.”
Birgit sat down next to Nicholas and patted his leg. “Mr. Klaus, I wanted to thank you for the gifts you got for the employees. We were all very touched. It’s the first year you remembered.”
“Yeah, I know. I’ve been a real ass, haven’t I, Birgit? Sorry about that. Did your daughter like the Russian doll? Dad says they’re really hot this year.”
“Oh, yes, she loved it! And my son loves the cookie cutters. He’s been busy as a little bee baking honey cookies for us.”
Nicholas raised an eyebrow. “Your son likes to bake, does he? That’s good to hear. I’ve been thinking about offering children’s cooking classes at Klaus Küche. What do you think about that?”
Max responded, “That’s a wonderful idea. My kids would enjoy that very much, Mr. Klaus. They loved making the funnel cakes at the carnival. It was the highlight of their day.”
“Too bad Lucy’s gone. She would have gotten a big kick out of that.” Nicholas peered into his empty flask. “Damn it, I need a refill.”
Markus shook his head emphatically. “Absolutely not. It’s time to pull yourself together, Nicholas. Go splash some cold water on your face. We’re heading downstairs to pack the sleighs.”
Birgit stood up and offered Nicholas her tiny hand. “Do you need some help, Mr. Klaus?”
Nicholas started to laugh. “I’m at least three feet taller than you, little one. And probably a couple hundred pounds heavier. Do you honestly think you can pull me up?”
“Maybe we can help.” Startled, Nicholas looked up to see his four brothers enter the room.
“What the hell are you doing here? I hope to God this isn’t an intervention because there’s no way…”
“Cool your jets, big brother. We’re not hauling you sorry drunken ass off to rehab. We’re here with some very good news.” Oskar cracked a big grin at Nicholas and offered him a hand. “Let me help you up. I think you might want to be standing for this conversation, okay?’
As Nicholas stood up, he heard his parents in the hallway. “Where’s Nicholas? We want to see him.” Nicky Sr. barged into the office with Alena trailing behind. He inspected Nicholas from head to toe and raised an eyebrow. “Good God, what are you up to, Nicholas?”
Markus answered, “Having a pity party, sir.”
Greta added, “A big pity party, sir.”
Nicholas hissed, “Traitors. See if you get any presents next year…”
There was a commotion out in the hallway, and then all seven elves from the council forced their way into the room. Nicholas rolled his eyes. “It’s getting a bit tight in here, folks. Not really the best place for entertaining. Maybe you should all head over to Dag’s. I hear there’s a ZZ Top marathon today, courtesy of Monie.”
Hector walked up to Nicholas and wrinkled his nose. “Lag
avulin?”
“What else? Only the best for the future Weihnachtsmann.” Nicholas looked around the room at the growing crowd in alarm. “Not that I’m not thrilled to see all of you, but what the hell is going on?”
Hector smiled at Nicholas. “We have some important things to discuss, young man. Perhaps your employees should return to their work stations.”
Nicholas shook his head. “They can stay. For some unknown reason, they’ve been hovering over me like a bunch of mother hens. I think maybe we’re…friends?”
Max, Birgit and Greta smiled at Nicholas. “Friends look out for each other, Mr. Klaus.”
“Even when they’re having an alcohol-fueled pity party,” Markus whispered under his breath.
“What was that, Markus?”
“Nothing, sir. Why don’t we find out why the council is here?”
Nicholas turned to Hector and sighed dramatically. “All right, Mr. Ischman, am I in some sort of trouble? I’m not really following any of this.”
“No, Nicholas. Not at all. Your brothers approached the council yesterday with a proposal. Your father and mother both approve. We would like to discuss it with you.”
“What sort of proposal?” Nicholas examined his brothers’ huge grins warily.
“After much consideration, we have decided to part with tradition,” Achim announced.
Ebbe nodded. “In the past, the eldest son of the Klaus family would accept the title of Weihnachtsmann when the current Santa was ready to retire.”
Johan smiled at Nicholas. “For many years this tradition has served Glasdorf well. However, we have decided that it is not necessary for the eldest son to inherit this position. More important than birth right is the proper enthusiasm for the job.”