“We'll talk about that later.”
Later? I wasn't sure what that meant. Maybe he didn't want to talk about it ever, what we had done. What he had to do to keep Christmas and the Santa myth alive.
When he slipped out of me and stood naked by the side of the bed, I feasted my gaze upon him trying to remember every longand lean detail of him. If he never came back here, I'd still have these fantastic memories.
“Shower first.” He grinned. “Then dress in your warmest clothes. Let's go to Christmas Eve together.”
He didn't look worried at all about my heat ending. Even though it wasn't technically over, it would be by tomorrow. That was when Christmas celebrations really began for everyone in Santa's Village.
I was surprised when he got in the hot shower with me and helped me wash. The caretaking alpha in him was still very much involved. I leaned back against his body and let the fall of water drench me, the sound of it like white noise against my tired mind.
We dried off and were dressed and ready to go in half an hour. I had sprinkled myself with springtime powder to try to dilute the scent of my heat. But when we got outside I realized it had been unnecessary. The wind swirled around us. Snow flew by so fast we could barely see as we got into Keir’s car. Visibility was poor but not impossible. The snowplows had been by recently so the streets we're clear.
My new apartment was close to the office and the hangar. It only took us five minutes to get there.
The runway lights were on full-force, shiny and bright overhead and on the ground. Through the sleet, we could see the hangar doors beginning to open. We ran up to join the crowd of our team who greeted us with huge smiles and back slaps.
“We did it!” they cried out one by one.
Drake came up to me and said, “I hope you're feeling better. Even sick, you did the best work I've ever seen.”
“Thank you.” I kept my arms tight to my sides still unsure if they could see my heat. It wasn't about shame so much as I didn't know Keir’s position on all of this. If he didn't want it known that he slept with one of his team, I would respect that. Ididn't ever want to take a wrong step, especially in this situation, without his permission.
A cry went up over the runway. The sleigh was exiting the hangar. Even through the thick storm, it gleamed and glowed. Bright red with gold trim and black leather seats, the sleigh was encased in a soft pink light.
Eight huge reindeer led it. Their reins were trimmed with gold bells that rang through the air. They pranced and danced, tossing their heads. It was so magical to witness. A thrill went through my body to be able to witness this phenomenal moment.
Even at the last minute, many of the team had their tablets out and were doing final checks. A lot of them were still back at Control. Throughout his flight, Santa maintained constant contact with his team.
Keir had a tablet out, as well. He must have hidden it in a coat pocket. He held it out so both of us could see it. The sleigh showed up on a grid, full color, with numbers along the bottom and at the sides. As I studied them I could see everything was clear. It filled my heart with joy.
“Looking good,” Keir called out to the crowd.
He put his arm around my shoulders. I wasn't sure what to think. Everyone could see us.
“We are all heroes here.” He shouted through the wind so most of the people could hear him. “But we are very lucky to have our own ringer, too. Fallon is to be commended. He held us up and gave us so much during these last few days. None of this would be happening without all of you, though.”
Santa waved from his moving sleigh and gave a hearty, “Ho ho ho.”
People begin to shout and wave. “Safe flight! Merry Christmas!”
When the sleigh took off it was like it took part of my stomach with it. I felt like I was in it with Santa for a moment and going up toward the unseen stars.
Keir’s gloved hand grabbed my own. “This is it. What we work for all year.” He turned his smiling face toward me. “Are you up for going back to Control?”
I wasn't sure. The cold wind was severe, pepping me up, making me energized. In this moment, I didn't feel my fever.
“I can try.”
“Let's go.”
We followed the crowd back to the offices and took the stairs down to Control.
16
KEIR
“Look at that.” I pointed to the big screen as we entered the huge room.
