Free Sweet Inspiration by Penny Watson

walking with tots so 76
    Sweet Inspiration
    by Penny Watson
    tiny, they were barely two feet tall. Lucy blinked and fell back on the cushions . What is happening to me? This is craziness.
    "Hull-o! Nicholas...are you home?" Lucy's head snapped up in recognition. I've heard that voice before...somewhere. She slowly turned her head as a man walked into the great room.
    A very small man. A very, very small man. In fact, he was so small, some might call him... an elf
    "Well now, Miss Lucy. It's good to see you up and about.
    Nicholas is anxious to show you around Glasdorf today. How are you feeling this morning? Having a bit o' cider?" The little man's ears twitched as he took off his cap and looked expectantly at Lucy.
    "Glasdorf?" she whispered.
    "Of course, you're in the North Pole, my dear."

    * * * *
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    Sweet Inspiration
    by Penny Watson

Chapter Nine
    Nicholas hurried along the cobblestone path to his cottage.
    His arms overflowed with packages for Lucy. Oda, Markus'
    wife, insisted on getting her clothes, make-up, shampoo, fresh flowers and various other items that women liked.
    Nick's bachelor pad was stark and "lacking in a much-needed feminine touch" according to Oda. She had also helped to bathe and dress Lucy yesterday after they returned from Hector's. Nicholas wanted every drop of blood washed from her body, every reminder of her near-death experience erased. He had never felt so shaken, so unsure. His world tipped upside down, then righted itself as Lucy slept for almost twenty straight hours in his arms, breathing, alive, perfect.
    Sleeping with her was a form of torture. It was damned near impossible not to give in to his lustful urges. Having her silky skin, delicious scent and subtle curves pressed up against him all night had pushed him to the breaking point.
    He could not stop himself from touching her, stroking her hair, her slender arms, dragging his knuckles across her lips as she slumbered. She looked so incredibly beautiful and peaceful, and he loved that she kept reaching for him in her sleep, sighing with contentment as she buried her face in his chest.
    He awoke this morning with his hands curved around Lucy's firm breasts, and a massive erection pressed up against her nicely rounded bottom. But there was no way he 78
    Sweet Inspiration
    by Penny Watson
    would interrupt her sleep, not until he was completely sure that Hector's healing medicine was successful. When Lucy was awake and completely recovered, Nicholas planned to seduce her properly in his big bed.
    After he explained about Glasdorf...and the elves...and that Santa was real. A headache started to hammer away at the spot right over his eyes. He had no idea how Lucy would take the news. In addition to somehow explaining to a Sudlander that the legend of Santa Claus was real, Nicholas would soon be faced with his day of reckoning, the Tag der Rache. The council would demand an explanation for his actions.
    He also wasn't looking forward to dealing with his parents'
    disappointment. As heir to his father, Nicholas' behavior was expected to be exemplary in every way. He wasn't sure how they would react to the news that the 'good son' had broken fundamental rules of Glasdorf. But in his heart, he had no reservations about using elfin magic to save Lucy's life. And he would do it all again. Lucy's spirit was too bright, too dear to him to lose. Hector's brilliance as a healer was legendary, and he'd proved it last night.
    Nicholas set the packages on the ground in front of the door. No more stalling. You need to explain things to Lucy, and pray that she'll be understanding...and hopefully not prone to hysterics. He opened the door to the cottage and shuttled the bags inside the foyer. He heard laughter, Lucy's laughter, and his heart sped up at the sound. She's awake!
    When he walked into the great room, he could hardly believe his eyes. Lucy and Markus were seated at the window 79
    Sweet Inspiration
    by Penny