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Xanther’s eyes softened. “Of that, I have no doubt.” He held my gaze a moment, eyes full of unspoken meaning, before turning back to the reins.
I wasn’t sure what to make of his intense look, but it sent flutters through my stomach. I scooted subtly closer to Xanther’s reassuring strength as we sailed on through the star-strewn sky.
As we sailed over a frozen pond, its icy surface glimmering silver in the moonlight, I was reminded of the time spent on local ponds during my childhood winters.
Before I could reminisce too much, Xanther spoke up. “The frozen lakes on Yule look much like this. Vast meadows of ice that shimmer under the stars.”
He smiled wistfully. “As a boy, I would sneak out at night to skate on the secluded ponds away from the village. I had to be careful not to break through the ice!”
I pictured a young Xanther gliding gracefully across moonlit alien ice fields and had to grin. “That sounds beautiful. I always loved skating at night too - it felt magical, like having the whole frozen pond to myself.”
Xanther nodded. “Exactly. The world feels new and full of possibilities under the night sky.”
He gazed up at the sea of stars above us. “I had nearly forgotten that youthful wonder in recent centuries. Thank you for reminding me.”
“Of course,” I said softly.
As the night wore on, a deep chill set in. Xanther pulled a heavy woolen blanket from beneath the sleigh seat and settled it over both our laps.
We sat nearer now, our thighs pressed together for warmth beneath the cover. I was intensely aware of Xanther’s muscular leg aligned with my own. The contact sent little thrills through me that had nothing to do with the cold.
I snuck a glance at Xanther’s face, but his expression betrayed nothing as he navigated a wide turn over the river. Neither of us pulled away or acknowledged the physical closeness. Yet it was all I could focus on now.
Xanther kept one hand on the reins, but his other rested atop the blanket. Before I could second-guess myself, I reached over and interlaced my gloved fingers with his.
At my touch, Xanther’s thumb began idly caressing my knuckles in a slow, rhythmic motion. The gentle contact made my stomach flutter. Still he kept his gaze forward, though the muscle in his jaw pulsed. No further words were needed as we sailed on through the glittering sky in cozy companionship.
Emboldened, I leaned further against Xanther’s sturdy frame for warmth. I both heard and felt the sudden quickening of his breath. But he didn’t pull away.
We flew on through the serene Christmas night, thighs touching, fingers entwined, stealing secret glances when the other wasn’t looking. The air between us fairly crackled with wordless anticipation.
All too soon, the familiar rooftops of my neighborhood came into view below us. I sighed sadly, not yet ready for this magical sleigh ride to end.
Xanther gave my hand a sympathetic squeeze beneath the blanket. “I know,” he said softly. “I wish this night could go on forever too.”
He guided the sleigh down until we coasted slowly over the trees, drawing out the final moments. At last my house appeared around the bend.
With a heavy heart, I turned to Xanther. “Thank you again for this incredible adventure. It means more than I can say.”
Xanther’s piercing blue eyes locked onto mine. “Noelle, I...” He paused, seeming to search for words. “Meeting you has been the greatest gift I could imagine this Christmas. I will never forget this night together.”
He lifted my hand and pressed a kiss to my gloved knuckles. “We will meet again,” he vowed. “This I promise you.”
My heart swelled close to bursting. Unable to resist, I leaned in and kissed his smooth cool cheek.
Xanther inhaled sharply, eyes slipping closed. Too soon, we descended to my snowy yard. As I climbed from the sleigh on shaky legs, Xanther’s intense gaze followed me, conveying words we couldn’t yet speak.
Chapter Four
Xanther
After we returned Noelle safely home, I was surprised when she invited, “Would you like to come in for some breakfast? I’m sure you must be hungry after your busy night!”
My heart sank at the thought of this enchanting night ending. “Truly, I wish I could stay longer,” I told her regretfully. “But I should return to Yule before dawn.”
Noelle’s face fell, but then her eyes lit up again. “Well, how about just some cookies and cocoa before you go? A little Christmas breakfast to fuel up?”
Her enthusiasm made me chuckle. “Now that does sound tempting. I suppose a brief delay couldn’t hurt.”
