Winter (Not Edited)

Chapter 23

Winter stirred in the warm embrace of the silk sheets. Her head was heavy with exhaustion, sometimes she would be incredibly tired.

Warm water traced his defined arms as he bathed. Emerson was working today, though the thoughts of the ineffable beauty that laid upon his bed late last night swarmed his mind.

The days of spring were passing quickly. The approaching summer was melting away the cool bite in the air, left from the harsh winter.

As Emerson cut the water off, his ears peaked at the soft sound ascending from down the corridor.

He moved towards the distressed mumbling. Winter's fingers wrapped flush against a small teddy bear. Where had she found that, it was Mary's, Emerson thought.

At first he was angry for her holding his deceased sister's belongings, but as Emerson watched the precious angel snuggle the inanimate object, he almost smiled. His heart quickened it's pace as he walked closer to her.

Was she dreaming? Emerson watched as she clutched the small bear to her chest. He knew she was not a child, but she resembled much of one. And that was okay.

He gently brushed his warm hand over her pale arm. Winter instantly leaned against his touch. Emerson moved his hand to her face, coaxing her skin with his warmth. Repeating the notation until her eyes fluttered open.

A small yawn escaped her parted rosy lips. Her innocent emerald eyes peered up to Emerson through thick lashes.

"Hi," Winter dragged the word out ever so softly.

His thumb continued to caress her face soothingly. She deserved to be treated as an unearthly angelic authority. She was perfection in his stone cold eyes.

"Did you sleep well?" Emerson asked as he jokingly pointed to the stuffed bear. Winter's cheeks blossomed a rosé pink. He was internally in awe of her. Truly there was nothing to be embarrassed about, a surplus of adults slept with teddies. That didn't stop her from feeling silly. Flushed, she turned the opposite direction and faced the wall in embarrassment. Emerson instantly regretted making fun at her.

"Winter." Emerson said, his voiced laced with morning depth.

His hand rubbed her open back gently. Winter almost purred at the delightful feeling. Emerson's only motive was getting her back to sleep. She could sleep all day for all he cared.

The stuffed bear that was once pressed flushed to her chest was discarded on the opposite side of Winter.

Emerson grabbed it and brought it to her hands, greedily taking it back she snuggled into it again. Continuing the magic he was preforming through his fingertips onto her back. Her eyes closed and her heartbeat calmed.

"Winter, make sure you eat a good breakfast and lunch, I have to go to work, but later we will go out to dinner in town." He spoke louder, making sure she heard.

She turned around quickly, startling him a bit. "Really?" Winter's voice came out a bit groggy but the smile that began its home on her face made up for it.

"Yes, now shush. You still have time that you need to be asleep for." Emerson warned.

She nodded fast and turned back around as Emerson rubbed her back it only took five minutes, until she was softly snoring.