Emily found herself saying his name, enjoying the way it felt in her mouth.It is so relaxed, so kind and warm. Not at all like he usually is...
Luke’s eyebrows raised and he cocked his head at her. “My eyes?”
“Yes. Your eyes are like the very heart of winter. The first frost when everything is still and quiet and perfect. It is my favourite time of year.” Emily wanted to explain more, but words were being uncooperative.
It felt as though she were trying to catch fish in a pond, and every time she thought she was close the thought flitted away.What was I saying?
“I would have thought you care more for spring, a time of new growth and such.” Luke was still studying her, a neutral expression on his face.
“Spring is lovely, but there is something about the stillness of winter. The way everything seems frozen in a moment. We are constantly supposed to be doing, doing, doing. Winter is a time to stop. To just be.” Emily gestured vaguely around them.
“You are full of surprises.”
“Thank you.” Emily laughed softly, though she was not entirely sure why. “Are you sure we have to go back to the house? You are so grumpy there.”
Luke cocked an eyebrow at her, and for a moment, Emily was sure she had seen a smile flit across his face. But he shook his head, and said seriously, “We do. You need to see a physician. Your head… You need to be looked at.”
“You are looking at me.” Emily pointed out.
Was that a flush of colour in his cheeks?Luke took a steadying breath. “By a professional.”
“But I want to stay here.” Emily patted the grass beside her and then let out a gasp of pain. “I would be less cold if you sat beside me.”
“You will be less cold once we get you to the house.” Luke insisted.
“Or you could just do as I ask. It is not going to kill you to relax a little.” Emily grinned at him, liking the way the sun seemed to bounce off the hard lines of his face.
“No, but it might kill you.” Luke frowned at her. “Even injured, you are the most stubborn woman I have ever encountered.”
“You see, you are getting prickly already! You are much nicer here. Or at least you were.” Emily pouted. “I wish you’d be a little improper every now and then.”
“You wish me to be improper, do you? Fine. I shall show you just how improper I can be.” Luke gritted his teeth, his own eyes flashing as he did so.
“What do you- Ahhh!” She gasped.
Before she could process what was happening, she felt strong arms wrap themselves around her, and hoist her into them. The scent of amber washed over her, and she was aware of the warmth of Luke’s chest as he held her.
The sound of giggling filled the air.Is that Luke? Why on Earth is he giggling? Oh!Emily realised the sound was not coming from Luke, but from her. She never giggled, never! And yet, she could not stop.
“Is this improper enough for you?” Luke muttered as Emily nuzzled into the warmth of him. “Or shall I throw you over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes?”
“If you like.” Emily laughed. “Though I think I would prefer not to be carried that way. Being upside down feels like it might be a little painful. And I quite like how warm it is here,” she snuggled against his hard, but oddly comfy chest.
Luke muttered something she could not quite catch and moved her. A sudden pain lanced through her, and everything faded out.
“Emily!” The voice sounded far away. “Wake up! Open your eyes, sweetheart.”
The world was gently moving from side to side. Another stab of pain shot through her and she whimpered.
“Shhhh… Lean against me. There, like that.” Luke’s voice was clearer now.
She nuzzled into something soft and warm, and thought she felt a hand gently supporting her head. But that made no sense. Both of her hands were against her chest. She made an experimental gesture.
“Please, do not poke me.” Luke’s breath tickled her. “Though I suppose I should be grateful you are awake enough to do that. Or perhaps I should simply be grateful for you poking me with your hands instead of your words.”
Emily tried to mumble that she did not mean to poke him with words or her hands. All she managed to say was, “World’s going up and down.”
“It’s the horse.” Luke explained. “You can feel the motion of it trotting.”
