Wynter

I wake up the next morning, my head resting against Nick's. We were still by the crackling fire. A warm blanket hugged my torso as I rested against his chest.

His breaths were so gentle and paced. He looked so cute when his mouth wasn't moving. He had a strong arm tucked beneath his head, his other arm wrapped around me. I lifted myself from his calming warmth, rubbing the softness of his stubble before taking in his features.

How did we get to this?

Just two days ago I was throwing snowballs at the back of his head and now? We were nuzzled within the comfort of each other's arms.

I sit up straighter, holding my knees and thinking about the past 2 weeks.
Nick and I had been spending a lot of time together but these past couple of days had been more than electric.
What do I do with the feelings I have for Nick?

My phone vibrates from across the room and I quickly crawl over to the side to retrieve it.
It was a text message from Elizabeth.
Actually 30 of them!

Shoot!!

I had forgotten to approve the final pictures of the palette.

Wynter:
Elizabeth! I am so sorry! 🤧 I fell asleep but I love it. I love eveything about it...but can we change a few names? Send me the vision boards for the palette designs and launch. (Remember! Nick agreed to model/pose as Santa for the palette behind Wynter's back!!)

Nick finally wakes up, yawning and stretching to stir his joints. He crouches up, staring at me from across the room. I leaned against the sofa, watching him as he watched me.

"You look warm" he smirked. He had that devilishly attractive raspy morning voice. He stood and crawled over to where I sat, pulling me into his arms. He lifted a palm against my forehead and hummed. "You feel warmer too"

"I am... someone put this wool blanket on me"

"Maybe it was Drew?" He teased. I knew it was Nick who had wrapped it around me. He was could be quite the gentleman when he wanted to.

"Maybe it was. Or..." I teased, leaning closer into his torso.

"Or?" He smirked. We looked at each other temptingly, inching closer and closer to kiss before his phone rang.

Nicholas

"F*ck" I whispered against her soft lips, reluctantly standing to retrieve my phone. I knew it was probably Mitch calling for factory blueprints and Christmas list finalizations.

"Hello? Yea Mitch?"
Yea? I know...I know. I already have the plans.
They didn't send them? Okay so now what?
I'll go there. I know I know. Yea today was supposed to be the deadline."

I look over at Wynter as she looked at me then back to the fire. She could already hear me breaking my vow to help her. I had promised to spend all day teaching her the laws and regulations of the land in time for the banquet in 4 days but when inconveniences like these occurred, I had to handle them.

Wynter picked up her phone, gently scrolling through her missed emails and texts.

"You know what Mitch? ... I can't. Not today."
Yea! You heard me. Today's my day off. Tell Kringle to push foward all my meetings and schedule anything that comes up for tomorrow. Goodbye"

"Nick no way! The deadline is—-"

Beep.

I could see Wynter's faint smile but she refused to show it.
"Who was that?"

"Mitch talking about some work things but it's not important." I walk over, lifting her up from the floor. "Today is a new day and it's all about you? Okay? Thé banquet is in 4 days so we have until then to get you situated with the laws and regulations of the land"

"I'm so nervous... what if the council hates me?" She pouted, staring into my eyes.

"They hate me, but they'll love you"

"Nick you're just saying that" she smirked, letting out a lazy chuckle.

"I'm not Wyn. They'll love you" I grabbed her cheek with care looking into her beautiful brown eyes. Wynter was smart, level headed, and beautiful. I guess spending time with her had revealed it to me.

Smaller and smaller our distance dwindled and tighter we came, inching closer and closer until we finally kissed.

We smacked with fervent intensity, our tongues lapping desperately for domination. She lifted her palms against my chest, clutching my sweater as we deepened in passion.

She slowly pulled away and looked into my eyes.
"You hear that?" She asked.

"What?" I whispered, staring into her eyes.

"Nothing? Which means—"

"Drew finally read the room." I finished her statement with a feeling of relief.
We hadn't been interrupted by Drew since we both woke up. That meant he was either sleeping or had finally learned to read the room.

She let out a melodious chuckle and nodded.
After a few more jokes at Drew's suspense, we walk hand in hand, saying good morning to the servants who were running about and starting their days.

We turned another corner before walking up to her room. "I'll see you soon?"

"Maybe." She smirked, patting my cheek before entering her room and closing the door behind her.

—-

Author Note:

-since it's been a while
Wynter has to go in front of panel as the fiancé of Ms. Clause. She will have to be scrutinized and under the watchful eye of them.
-Nick's father knows Wynter isn't Royal and is a mortal.
- Nick must be engaged (he is) and married by December 25th.