by penny watson
“Yes, I heard that the council decided the Überholen will take place in twelve months.”
Lucy felt fresh tears welling up in her eyes. “I’m worried about Nicholas. He is really conflicted about taking over his father’s position. His passion is cooking, and he’s devoted his entire life to perfecting his craft in the kitchen.”
“Yes, this is true. He is a magnificent chef. I often visit Klaus Küche. However, this tradition has been around for many generations, Lucy. It is difficult to imagine that Nicholas would not be willing to accept the Überholen. It is something like being president of a country, I suppose. The needs of the people depending on you often come before your own personal wants and needs. This is true for the Weihnachtsmann as well.”
Lucy nodded. “It just seems unfair. I met several members of the council today. They were so critical about Nicholas’s ‘little hobby.’ They said it was a distraction from his real responsibilities, and that I was a distraction by encouraging it. They lectured me on the importance of Nicholas’s partner supporting him in the role of Santa. I know the council was also angry with him for breaking so many rules when he brought me here from the Sudenwelt. He saved my life, Rector. Do you understand? I owe him my life.”
“I know Nicholas very well, Lucy. From what I understand, he is very much in love with you. If he broke some rules to save your life, my dear, then you must hold a very special place in his heart.”
“He hasn’t told me he loves me. I don’t really know how he feels about me,” Lucy whispered sadly.
“I think his actions speak louder than words. Perhaps he is feeling a bit shy about discussing his feelings. Sometimes it is difficult.”
“I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to interfere with Nicholas’s duty here in Glasdorf. Perhaps those council members were right. Maybe I am a distraction.”
“Do you love him, Lucy?”
“Oh, yes! He is the most amazing man I have ever met. I wish…I wish I could spend the rest of my life with him.”
Adam smiled. “Well, perhaps your wish will come true. I think you should talk with young Nicholas and tell him how you feel.”
The rector patted Lucy’s hand reassuringly and left her to ponder their conversation. Lucy sat for a long time on the hard bench, mulling over her worries. What should I do? Although it would be difficult to give up cooking, she would do anything to be with Nicholas and support him as Weihnachtsmann. Unfortunately, owning a café in the Sudenwelt didn’t exactly provide suitable experience for the Weihnachtsmann’s wife. Alena seemed so confident, but Lucy didn’t know the first thing about running such a large organization. Were the council members right? Was she too much of a distraction for Nicholas to overcome? Would she hold him back? If he didn’t throw all of his energy into the role of Santa, it would result in a miserable Christmas for everyone.
Lucy heard the pitter patter of little feet on the floor, and realized that several elfin children were clamoring onto a bench in front of her. A harried looking mother trailed after them, and then sat down.
“Mama, is it true that the Weihnachtsmann will be coming soon to visit us?”
A small girl rubbed her runny nose and huffed at her brother. “Of course it’s true, Hans. Santa is the most magical man on the earth. He loves children everywhere. He brings them toys and candies and fills their stockings, and watches over all of the little girls and boys in the world. He has a very big, important job.”
Their mother smiled. “This is true. Santa’s most important job is to spread the Christmas spirit, to encourage people to trust in others and to open their hearts to those in need. Spreading Christmas spirit makes the world a better place for everyone.”
Hans looked up at his mother. “Is that why we are taking dinner to Jule’s family tonight? Because their daddy died and they need us?”
She patted her son gently on the head. “Exactly. Santa would be very proud that you are helping out your friend this Christmas season.”
Lucy watched as the children huddled with their mother on the bench, exchanging hugs and kisses, and finally lighting a candle at the front of the chapel before leaving.
Santa’s job was much bigger than Lucy’s own personal needs. The selfish part of her envisioned the two of them cooking together, loving each other, raising a family. It wasn’t going to happen. Nicholas had never mentioned marriage or a future together, and there had been plenty of opportunities. He needed to put his whole heart and soul into his new position in Glasdorf, or millions of people all over the world would be sadly disappointed. Lucy swallowed painfully as she realized she had no choice but to leave and return to the Sudenwelt. She loved Nicholas too much to interfere with the most important task of his lifetime.
Lucy trudged back to the carnival with a leaden heart. Just as she approached the food booth, the entire sky lit up with a spectacular fireworks display. Dancing animals bounced across the sky, streaking prisms of color in their wake. They giggled and tumbled, as the elfin children clapped their hands in delight. The secrets of Glasdorf continued to astound her. She noticed that Nicholas was as spellbound by the show as the children. Several tots were perched high up on his shoulders, pointing and shouting as the magic captivated the crowd.
Lucy snuck back into the booth as inconspicuously as possible, and began to help Markus with the clean-up chores. Once the show concluded, Nicholas sent the children off to their families, clutching miniature stockings stuffed with peppermint candies from Klaus Küche. He spied Lucy immediately and tugged her into his arms.
“Where did you disappear to, my sweet? I suppose you got sidetracked by the excitement of the fair. I hardly gave you time to explore before I put you to work.” He rubbed his cheek against the top of her head. “Sorry about that. Did you enjoy yourself?”
Lucy swallowed and buried her face against Nicholas’s broad chest. She was trembling all over.
Nicholas cupped her chin and tilted her face up for inspection. He frowned and brushed a tear from her cheek. “Markus…Lucy and I are heading home. Can you and the crew clean up here?”
“Of course, sir. What a wonderful success the carnival was, eh? Have a nice evening.”
Without speaking, Nicholas wrapped his arm around Lucy’s shoulders and led her to the street behind the carnival. They walked in silence for a long time. Just as they arrived at his cottage, he stopped and took both of Lucy’s hands in his. She gazed up into his hazel eyes, filled with worry and concern. Nicholas looked almost haunted tonight, as though he were anticipating something dreadful.
“Do you want to talk about it, sweetheart? What’s bothering you? I can’t stand to see you cry, Lucy Anne.”
In a soft ragged voice, Lucy answered. “I think it’s time for me to go back, Nicholas.”
His giant hands trembled for a moment, then clutched hers tightly. “I disagree. I think our adventure together is just beginning. I don’t want you to go. I know I’m being selfish…”
“Selfish? Are you kidding? You are the most selfless man I have ever met! You took a huge risk bringing me here to save my life. You could have lost your home and your family. That is not the act of a man who is selfish, Nicholas Klaus!”
“What is it, then? Is my family too much for you? I know we tend to get a bit loud and boisterous at times, but I think if you just give it a chance, you’ll really learn to love all of us, even my crazy brothers…”
Lucy shook her head vehemently. “No, Nicholas, I already love your family. Your parents are incredible, and I think your brothers are great. That’s not it.”
Nicholas’s brow creased. “Then what is it, sweet? What has prompted this need to go back to the Sudenwelt?”
Lucy pulled out of Nicholas’s embrace and leaned against the courtyard wall. The stones were frigid and icy, and she splayed her bare fingers against the rough surface. “I talked with some of the council members today at the carnival. They didn’t seem too happy about me being here, I must say.”
Nicholas’s entire
demeanor suddenly changed. His body tensed and his hands fisted at his sides. “Who did you talk to, Lucy Anne?” he asked quietly.
“Um, I think their names were Gerd, and…”
“Ebbe. Bastards. They should know better than to treat my woman like that.” Lucy was shocked by the flash of fire in Nicholas’s eyes.
“Your woman? We haven’t exactly gotten that far, have we, Nicholas? Actually, their concerns were not entirely unfounded. They’re worried that you aren’t ready to embrace the role of Weihnachtsmann, and the truth is, you aren’t.”
“Regardless of that, they have no right to pass any sort of judgment about you. You have been wonderful to everyone in Glasdorf. Kind, thoughtful, supportive. You are exactly the type of Sudlander that Glasdorf needs.” Nicholas glanced back in the direction of the carnival, anger seething on his face.
Lucy’s spirits fell. “Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m the type of Sudlander that you need, Nicholas. I’m a pastry chef, and you’re about to become the ‘president’ of the North Pole, not open a restaurant. You need a partner who’s experienced in running a huge, multi-faceted organization, and I’m just a small town girl.”
Nicholas looked incredulous. “What are you talking about? Sweet Inspiration is a very successful café.”
“Not anything like the level of success of your operation. I wouldn’t know the first thing about helping out the Weihnachtsmann.”
For the first time, Lucy noticed that Nicholas was starting to look nervous. He grabbed her hand and rubbed it vigorously. “Lucy, sweetheart, you are totally off base. The most important thing that you bring, not only to Glasdorf, but to me as well, is your generous nature. All the rest of the technical details of running the North Pole are easily learned. Believe me.”
Lucy shook her head. “You’re wrong, Nicholas. You need to jump into this venture with all of your heart and soul. I would be a constant reminder of your passion for cooking. It’s not fair to your father or to the children of the world to enter into this position unless you completely embrace it.”
Nicholas pulled back. “What is this really about? A few days ago you were lamenting that I had to give up my culinary career, and now you’re on the Überholen bandwagon.”
Lucy stepped away from Nicholas and began to pace around the courtyard, brittle snow crunching beneath her feet. “I still feel badly that you have to give up a career you love and excel at. But being here in Glasdorf has made me realize how important your father’s job is. And how integral your mother is to its success. I’ve never even been outside of New York State, Nicholas. Your mother is worldly, experienced…she’s the perfect Mrs. Klaus. And I’m just a small town girl who knows how to bake cookies.”
Nicholas shook his head in anger. “I think what this is really about is that you’re scared. All of your life you’ve been dreaming about adventure, and now that you have it, you’re petrified. You want to run home to Eston and curl up under your lumpy little sofa and hide. For the first time in your life, you’re facing a real challenge, and you’re going to back down? I don’t believe it!”
“That’s not fair, Nicholas! I just don’t want to face you several years down the road when you’re filled with resentment because I can’t live up to the high standards of Mrs. Klaus.”
“Don’t be ridiculous! You are the perfect woman for me, Lucy. I don’t expect you to be anything but yourself.”
Lucy wiped away the tears overflowing from her eyes. “I know how to cook, Nicholas. That’s it. At least in Eston, people respect me for that. Here, I’m the girl who led Nicholas Junior astray. The council clearly doesn’t respect me. They think I’m a huge impediment to you becoming the next Santa. I think I’ve already caused enough trouble for you.”
Lucy turned and raced to the cottage, her feet slipping on the slick cobblestones. She skidded to the front door and grabbed the brass handle, when suddenly over two hundred pounds of Nicholas flattened her against the wooden entrance and pinned her in place. He was breathing hard, shaking as his hand reached up to gently brush her wild curls from her face.
“You are not running away from me, Lucy Anne. No way. We’re not done with this discussion.”
“Oh yes, we are. There’s nothing left to say. Just accept it, Nicholas.” She gasped as he lifted her up and flung her over his shoulder, then pushed open the front door.
“Just what do you think you’re doing? Put me down!” Lucy wriggled ineffectively in his arms, but he just tightened his hold. He carried her into the bedroom and dumped her onto his sleigh bed. Lucy crab-walked backwards on the silken sheets, mesmerized by the sight of him, cloaked in the dark shadows of the room. Suddenly a fire roared to life behind him in the massive fireplace, the flames licking at the grate. Warmth infused the room instantly. Nicholas removed his coat, dropping it on the floor. Then his hat. He began to unbutton his shirt, his eyes never leaving Lucy’s shocked face.
“What…? Just what do you think you’re doing?” Lucy asked. The sight of his beautiful torso was momentarily distracting. Every time she saw the tattoo around his thick bicep she had the ridiculous urge to lick it. She scooted back farther on the bed, knocking into the nightstand. Her sack of magik pebbles tilted over, spilling the polished gems onto the table. Now Nicholas was flinging his boots and socks across the room and unbuttoning his pants.
White dots of light flew out of the magik pebbles and skipped delightedly up Lucy’s arms. They tugged at her curls, racing mischievously around her body. “Nicholas? What is going on?”
Nicholas now stood completely naked in front of her. His nostrils flared as he strode to the bed, and then crawled on all fours over the sheets, stalking her like she was some sort of pathetic immobilized prey. For God’s sake, Lucy, do something! Otherwise you’re about to be seduced by this man. You made a decision. Stick to it!
Lucy took a deep breath and twisted to slip out of the bed. One massive paw, compliments of Nicholas Sebastian Klaus, clamped down upon her leg and held her in place.
“Where do you think you’re going, sweetheart? We’re not done with our conversation, yet.”
The dots of light let out a burst of impish laughter and danced excitedly over Nicholas’s hand and up his arm. They seemed to be dive-bombing his head, disappearing and then reappearing throughout the dark waves of his hair.
“Are you going to tell me what these lights are doing?” Lucy looked anxiously at Nicholas, who was staring at her like she was a delicious morsel of food.
“Shooting stars, or sternschnuppen. They pop out of the magik pebbles when certain energies arouse them. They’re imbued with all of the mischief of the elves themselves. And very in tune with their owner.”
Lucy squirmed, trying to loosen his hold on her. She rolled onto her belly and grabbed at the headboard, trying to find some leverage on the slippery sheets.
“Nice view.” Lucy looked back, horrified, to see Nicholas gazing with interest at her rear end. He licked his lips.
“Nicholas, this is not a good idea,” Lucy said desperately.
“On the contrary, I think this is a fantastic idea. You’re questioning our future. I think I need to remind you how good we are together.” Nicholas tugged on Lucy’s leg and pulled her down the bed, then blanketed himself over her body. “Hmm, nice.” He buried his face in the crook of her neck and breathed deeply. “You smell good, Schatzi.”
His fingers began to leisurely strip the clothes from Lucy’s body, tossing them about the room. Lucy groaned helplessly at the delicious sensation of his erection pressed tightly against her. She could feel her treacherous body responding, flowering for him. Readying itself to welcome him inside of her. Once she was completely naked, Nicholas leaned down and rubbed his beard along the side of her face, tickling her just the way she liked. He knew her too well, all of the little things that drove her crazy. Made her crazy for him.
His husky voice whispered in her ear. “Your body already knows what your brain is fighting. We belong together. Before I met
you, Lucy, my life was boring and predictable. So well ordered, there wasn’t any magic left. You’ve made me see things in a new light, things I’ve been taking for granted for a long time. You are exactly what I need…the most giving, generous and sexy woman I have ever known.”
Lucy shuddered. The feel of his erection crushed against her bare bottom was naughty and exciting. He rocked against her cleft, whispering to her in German, something guttural and sexy in his rich, deep voice. Goosebumps broke out all over her skin. The sternschnuppen darted all over the bed, skipping over their naked limbs, jumping from the headboard onto the pillows, singing to each other.
Suddenly, Nicholas turned Lucy onto her back and cupped her face between his enormous palms. His eyes were glittering amber, watching her intensely. “The truth is, the elves are right about one thing. You are a distraction. I can’t stop thinking about you, wanting you, wishing you were with me every moment.” He reached around to squeeze her behind and pushed his rigid length against her with a groan. “You’re like a delicious, decadent dessert that I can’t get enough of. And I like it like that, my sweet. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“It’s not enough, Nicholas.” Lucy whimpered as he slowly rolled his hips, grinding against her again and again.
“I’m going to devour every inch of you, Lucy Anne. And you’re going to lie there and take it.”
Lucy arched up against his massive frame, powerless to stop the firestorm building between them. Nicholas lowered his head slowly to hers. Lucy shut her eyes tightly, trying to block out the myriad sensations rocking her. A feather light kiss touched her eyelids. Then her salty, tear-lined cheeks. Nicholas’s firm lips brushed across her mouth. Steadily he worked his way down her body, which surrendered helplessly to his ministrations.
Nicholas made good on his threat to devour her, and finally she cracked open her eyes to watch as he feasted on her most sensitive spot, nestled within the tight red curls between her thighs. His rough fingertips gripped the smooth skin of her hips as his mouth teased her mercilessly. The sternschnuppen cast a faint glow in the darkness of the room, their song beginning to remind her of a frenzy of violins. Nicholas’s eyes never left her face. Her hips began to buck in response as the tension coiled relentlessly inside of her. He growled deep in his throat and increased the inexorable tempo of his sensual assault. Lucy cried out as the shooting stars whizzed around the room, flashing triumphantly.
