When she flips the notebook over and covers it with her hand, he grins like a wolf spying a rabbit. “What are you up to Aiylin?”
“Nothing, just working on my Christmas list,” she closes it and quickly walks to her guitar case, tucking the notebook inside.
Sebastian follows her and smiles when she looks at him nervously. “Are you finished working?”
“For now,” he leans over and looks behind her.
Aiylin stares at him, losing all train of thought when his eyes drop to her mouth. Sebastian takes a deep breath and steps away from her. The past few days have been a slow torture. Keeping his hands and mouth to himself when it comes to Aiylin is much more complicated than he’d first anticipated.
“I believe we have a date, Miss Miller. Are you ready to shop?” Sebastian asks.
A hum of frustration whips through Aiylin. It’s been three days since he’s touched or even tried to kiss her. She’s missing him dreadfully. Perhaps he’s not attracted to her after all?
“I am looking forward to going to town. I’ve heard of the Christmas Markets before but haven’t had the chance to visit one yet.” Aiylin sits by the fire and smiles when Tinley comes running inside.
“Daddy, is it time yet?”
“As soon as Oma is ready, my heart, we will go.”
“I have my list ready!” Tinley spins in a circle, and Aiylin laughs.
“I can’t wait for the roasted almonds,” Sebastian says, and Tinley stops moving.
“Gingerbread cookies, Daddy!”
“What’s your favorite sweet, Aiylin?” Tinley runs over and grabs her hands.
“Hmm, let me think,” she taps a finger to her lip, “I love candied pecans or anything chocolate,” she smiles. “Tell me what to expect,” she asks Sebastian.
“No. You must experience it,” when Aiylin frowns, he almost reaches for her but forces himself to keep his distance. “I promise that it will be worth the wait.”
“I’m ready,” Elizabeth calls, and Tinley runs with an excited squeal from the room. The family takes two carriages so Elizabeth can bring back Tinley, while Sebastian and Aiylin can stay to enjoy themselves. Stanley follows them in the second carriage which Tinley and Sebastian ride in.
Aiylin and Elizabeth talk about what to get Tinley for Christmas as she is keeping her list close to her heart. “Little girls love puppies,” she teases.
“Yes, well, I don’t think Sebastian is quite ready for that little adventure.”
“Probably not,” Aiylin laughs. “I need to send my telegram before I do anything else,” she murmurs, “also speak to Sheriff Dane and see if my luggage has turned up. My sister would be horrified if she knew I was recycling the same three dresses.”
Elizabeth nods, “I’m sure you're tired of them as well.”
The carriage comes to a stop, and they wait for the door to open. Stanley folds the steps down and assists Elizabeth. Aiylin waits with anticipation to see the market, but as she prepares to step down all she can see is Sebastian’s smiling face.
He grips her hand and helps her down waiting for her to look around, but she is caught up in the feel of his touch. Her lips part in surprise at the jolt of awareness that runs through her body.
As her feet touch the ground, he leans over to her and speaks in her ear. “You are making it impossible to think of anything except kissing you senseless, Miss Miller.”
“Truly? I thought you’d grown tired of me, Sebastian,” she says softly.
He jerks in surprise and realizes how stupid he’s been. Before he can say anything Tinley runs over and throws her arms around his legs. “Daddy, look at the fountain!”
Aiylin looks away for the first time and gasps. Vendors have set up tables all around the fountain, which has been filled with ruby red poinsettias. The white snow packed around the container of each plant creates a stunning visual effect.
Each vendor has worked hard to create a holiday atmosphere. Christmas scents dance on the air, cinnamon, hot chocolate, spiced nuts and more.
“Look, Aiylin, toys, clothes, candles, candies, and more,” Tinley points out each table and pulls her forward to look.
“I see it, angel, it’s amazing!”
“Tinley, you go with Oma for a few minutes, while we go to the general store to send a telegram, then we will meet up at…” he waits for them to suggest a booth.
“The candies!” Tinley says quickly.
“Perfect,” he kisses her head and nods to Stanley who accompanies his mother and daughter.
“Take your time,” Elizabeth teases as they walk away.
Before Aiylin can think Sebastian walks her around the carriage and kisses her soundly. When he pulls away from her, she is smiling up at him.
“It’s about time,” she quips, causing him to laugh heartily.
“Aiylin, you’re perfect,” he wraps his hand around her neck to draw her in, but she pushes him back.
“It’s been days since you kissed me Sebastian,” she complains.
“It feels like years,” Sebastian frowns, “I was trying to give you some space. To make sure you understand that what we have is more than just physical, Aiylin.”
“I see,” she blushes and reaches for him. “If I say I understand, will you kiss me again?”
He jerks her into his arms and kisses her speechless. “Time to shop, Mr. Miller.”
Her hand is shaking when he takes it and presses a kiss to the back of it. “I’ve missed touching you,” he whispers. “I’ll restrain myself.”
“So shall I,” she whispers causing him to laugh loudly.
“First stop, the general store.” He offers her his arm, which she gladly accepts.
Staring at each other and smiling, neither notices the man watching them from across the street. Rage has him trembling. How dare he touch what is his! Aiylin
