Come away with me in the night
Come away with me
And I will write you a song

Come away with me on a bus
Come away where they can't tempt us
With their lies

I want to walk with you
On a cloudy day
In fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high
So won't you try to come

Come away with me and we'll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I'll never stop loving you

And I want to wake up with the rain
Falling on a tin roof
While I'm safe there in your arms
So all I ask is for you
To come away with me in the night
Come away with me

"Come Away With Me" Norah Jones, "Come Away With Me" (2002)

Georg sat at the head of the table smiling at the children's excitement unfolding around him. The noise had been getting louder as breakfast was coming to an end. So far, he'd somehow managed to keep them away from the presents under the tree, but he knew he wouldn't be able to hold them back much longer. The younger children had been up early. Even earlier than usual. The older children hadn't been far behind. Not once they'd been woken by all the commotion. Shortly after, when he'd joined them, it was still be barely daylight. He smiled. It hardly mattered. He hadn't been able to sleep anyway.

Looking at the empty place down the opposite end of table, he could feel the anticipation growing. He'd only managed a few hours of restless sleep at best. Since the summer, he'd found that his nights would often be interrupted. He'd wake to find his dreams being invaded in the most delightful way. But these past nights, it had been impossible. Haunted by images of blue eyes, sensual lips and the sound of soft moans filling his head. Glancing at his watch, he realised it had only been a few minutes since he'd last checked.

He was grateful that the children had been so excited leading up to Christmas. He was surprised that none of his daughters had noticed that things were amiss. He'd expected them to notice that he'd come adrift these past days. Surely Liesl or Brigitta should have said something by now.

Like some love sick youth, Maria had left him pining for more. So much more. She'd left him completely distracted. These past days, it had been impossible to concentrate on anything but her. He'd barely eaten. Those stolen moments on the street were all he could think of. He should be exhausted from the disturbed sleep, but his body was burning at the thought of seeing her again. His mind was humming at the possibilities. He kept telling himself he was being ridiculous. God, he was too old for this!

He'd found that unless he was thinking of her, he couldn't concentrate on anything for more than a few moments…

"Father, can we open our presents now?" Marta was sitting beside him, tugging at the sleeve of his jacket.

"Let's just wait a few more minutes, sweetheart," he replied, reaching across to brush her cheek. He wondered how long she'd been trying to get his attention. It could have been a few seconds. It may have been minutes. "Kurt hasn't finished yet," he cast his eyes to his youngest son, who would spend all day at the breakfast table if he was allowed. He was thankful for the excuse to stay at the table. Even if it was flimsy. But then, he was happy to stay lost in his own thoughts, alone with Maria, for a little longer.

He smiled. He should have known she'd be late. Even arranging for a driver to pick her up couldn't guarantee that she'd be on time. But an hour ago, the snow had started falling steadily, so he knew it would be a slow drive along the country roads. Oh, God! He hoped she was still on her way. Surely, the driver hadn't decided that it was too dangerous. Before even realising, Georg started drumming his fingers on his thigh under the table. He hadn't considered that she might not join them. Damn snow, he cursed to himself.

Trying to push this new possibility from his mind, he told himself that it really hadn't been snowing that much. It wasn't like it had snowed over the past days. There wouldn't be drifts across the roads, for heaven's sake. Holding himself tight, he was trying to convince himself. Trying not to panic. Anyway, he was paying the driver a handsome sum to make the journey to the villa on Christmas day, of course the man wouldn't be scared off by a little snow.

Convincing himself that he was worrying for no reason, that she would be arriving any moment, he could feel his excitement building again. He smiled, he was no better than the children looking forward to Christmas. The anticipation was overwhelming. He'd barely touched the plate of food in front of him. He'd been too busy telling himself to breathe deeply, to remain calm. But it wasn't working. His pulse was still racing. He was certain that if it wasn't for the din around the table, he'd be able to hear his heart pounding in his chest. God, they all would! Every nerve ending seemed to be on edge, tingling with expectation, waiting for Maria to arrive.

He looked around the table at the children. He could already picture their excitement when she walked through the door to surprise them. Maria returning to their lives! It had been unthinkable only a handful of days ago. But he'd stumbled across her the other night, and everything had changed.

That evening, when their paths had crossed, it had been getting late and had started snowing. Needing to get the children home while the snow was still light, he'd walked Maria back to St Blasius. Reluctantly he'd said goodbye to her on the steps, then watched and waited until she was safely inside. As she'd turned to look back for the third and last time, smiling at him and giving him a little wave, his heart had done a cart wheel right there and then on the footpath. God, he'd known that he'd needed her. But he hadn't realised how much until he set eyes on her again. Until he felt her touch. Until he tasted her. Until he knew that she needed him just as desperately.

It hadn't taken any effort to convince Maria to spend Christmas at the villa. They'd both decided to surprise the children. It would be the best Christmas present for the children. Far better than anything he could have bought from the shops in Salzburg.

But then, he couldn't think of a better gift for himself. He smiled, as he imagined unwrapping his present. The ways he could slowly, seductively unwrap Maria, gradually revealing his perfect gift. Clearing his throat, he realised the dangerous direction his stray thoughts had taken him. Heaven help him! He really needed to control this thing. After all, he was sitting at the breakfast table with the children for God's sake. He smiled awkwardly at Brigitta. Had she picked up on something? She certainly was giving him an odd look.

All the staff had left yesterday afternoon to spend Christmas with their families. They wouldn't return for another two days. He'd arranged for Maria to spend the whole day with them at the villa. The driver would return later in the day to take her back to Salzburg. His heart soared, thinking of a day with Maria. They'd hardly had a chance to talk the other evening. He smiled, they'd been preoccupied. He'd been too busy kissing her, and there really hadn't been time to stop and talk. But it had hardly been his fault. God, she was such a temptation.

Just as he was about to check his watch again, he heard the click of the front door. Holding himself tight, he clutched the edge of the table, resisting the urge to race from the dining room to gather her into his arms and continue what they'd begun the other night. Glancing at the children, he smiled. They were too caught up in their own excitement. They hadn't heard the familiar footsteps making their way down the stairs from the front door and across the foyer above the din. His heart was beating wildly now. She'd almost reached the doorway to the dining room. She was only a few steps away.

Just as the footsteps came to a stop behind him, Brigitta looked up and let out a squeal. Everyone around the table stopped suddenly to see what had her attention. The rest of the children followed her eyes and turned towards the doorway.

"Fraulein Maria!" Brigitta was pushing her chair away from the table and leaping to her feet in one swift motion.

Before Georg could move, the children were all on their feet, squealing and yelling as they raced towards the doorway.

He heard Maria drop her guitar case before he had a chance to turn around. Pushing his chair from the table, he got to his feet, reminding himself to remain calm. Despite his heart beating madly, he was trying to appear nonchalant and unaffected. It was taking all his strength. He couldn't allow himself to get carried away. Not in front of the children. They needed to work things out before revealing too much to the children.

Turning, he watched on as they surrounded Maria. They wanted to hug her and get her attention all at once. Wanting to tell her what they'd been doing since she went away, all talking over each other and making it impossible to make any sense of all the commotion. His breath caught as he watched her take the time to hug and kiss each one. She bent down to listen to a story from each, to make them all feel special and loved. He knew then what a remarkable woman she was. How could any woman love his children more? But then, he reminded himself, she'd loved them when he couldn't.

Finally, after what seemed an eternity, she straightened up and looked across the top of the children to him. He realised he still had hold of the back of his chair. He'd needed something to ground him. He was holding it so tight, he knew his knuckles must be white. And now that she was looking at him, he could feel the air being knocked out of his lungs. God, she was breathtaking!

"Merry Christmas, Fraulein," he murmured with an exaggerated nod and a grin.

"Merry Christmas, Captain," Maria replied, a little breathless, her smile matching the spark in his eyes. She knew how excited she was to see the children, but all the way in the car, the hammering of her heart was all because of him.

The past days had been so hard. Knowing that he loved her, that it wasn't just her who'd felt something over the summer. It had almost been too much. Saying goodbye to him on the steps of St Blasius had been agony. Being apart from him had been torture. After being held in his arms, feeling his hot breath against her as he whispered her name, telling her how much he needed her. But that hadn't been the worst of it. Discovering how his desperate kisses could bring her undone, completely turn her inside out, had left her needing more. It had been difficult to think about anything else. And now that she was standing here in front of him, everything from that evening, their stolen moments on the street, were flooding back. She could feel her cheeks starting to burn.

By now, her eyes were brimming with tears of pure joy. She couldn't have imagined how much she'd missed the children. But she knew only too well how much she'd been missing their father. Being back at the villa with all of them, especially on Christmas day, was more than she could have ever hoped for.

"Children, it's time to unwrap the presents," Georg declared, suddenly aware that the children had been looking from him to Maria, waiting for one of them to speak. God, how long had they been standing here lost in each other? Squeals and yells of delight followed the children as they raced out of the dining room towards the salon.

"How have you been, Maria?" Georg asked softly, quickly reducing the distance between them. Without breaking away from her gaze, he reached down instinctively, taking hold of one of her hands and running his thumb tenderly across her knuckles.

"I've missed you, Georg," it was a tortured whisper. Still finding it a little strange using his first name, she hadn't meant to blurt out how difficult she'd found the past days. After all, it had only been a few days. It was nothing compared to the months beforehand. But she'd been missing him desperately. It was pointless pretending. Impossible to hide.

Reaching up and cupping her cheek, Georg ran his thumb along her jawline. "I know," he whispered. "You're here now, that's all that matters…" Unable to wait any longer, he bent down to capture her mouth with his. He didn't hold back. It would be impossible to even try after the torment of the past days. Letting go of her hand, he pulled her around the waist so that she was flush against him. He needed her to know that he'd missed her too. He'd craved her touch since their last kiss on the steps of the church, as the snow fell around them. His body had been aching for hers. He needed her to know that instead of satisfying his hunger, their kisses the other night had only increased his longing. Had driven him mad with need. As if answering his call, letting him know that she'd felt the same maddening need, her tongue found his first. He realised he was in danger of losing himself completely.

"Oh, Maria…" Georg wasn't even certain Maria could hear him, his words swallowed by their desperate kisses. His hand was in her hair now, her stifled moan driving him on…

But it was over all too soon, as the sound of Louisa and Kurt arguing in the distance finally reached them. Reluctantly letting go of her, he pulled back and straightened her hair, giving her a sheepish grin.

"We'd better break this up before it gets out of hand," he tried to catch his breath as he rested his forehead against hers. Sneaking one last chaste kiss on her lips, he let her go.

"Louisa, Kurt!" he called out, bringing the argument to an abrupt end as he placed his hand on Maria's lower back, leading her towards the salon.

ooooXXXXoooo

Georg sat on the edge of the chair. His chin balanced on his clasped hands, as his elbows rested on the table in the corner of the kitchen. He'd expected complete chaos. But he had to admit that everything seemed to be going rather smoothly. Who would have thought? As if reading his thoughts, Maria looked across to him, a triumphant glint in her eye. He smiled and gave her a wink. God, was there nothing this amazing woman could do? She could even make organising his children to cook Christmas dinner look effortless.

It had been well after midday when they finally started. After opening their presents and covering the floor of the salon with wrapping paper and gifts amongst the excited squeals, laughs, hugs and kisses, they'd finally all moved to the kitchen. They'd been snacking on the many biscuits and pastries left for them in the pantry to make sure they didn't go hungry. Not even Kurt seemed to mind that they wouldn't be eating until mid-afternoon. Everyone was too happy and having too much fun to really care. With Cook having left strict instructions and everything lined up for them in the larder, they'd all decided that cooking up a Christmas feast shouldn't be too difficult.

Smiling to himself, he realised that he shouldn't be surprised. While she was governess, Maria had made sure that the children knew their way around the kitchen. It had been one of the things they'd argued about in his study after the children were in bed. He'd walked into the kitchen one afternoon, following the irresistible trail of freshly baked biscuits. Expecting to only see the cook, he'd been surprised to see the young girls placing dough on trays while the older children were removing the still warm biscuits from the trays as they cooled. After stealing a handful of biscuits, much to the horror of the children, he'd made his escape back to the study with a look that told Maria he wasn't happy and they'd be discussing his children's cooking lessons later that night.

Later, like a fool, he'd argued that his children didn't need to learn to cook. She'd thrown back at him that they might not always have staff waiting on them hand and foot. They needed to learn to fend for themselves. She'd been right. She always was. Had he ever won an argument against this woman, he wondered as he sat gazing at her. Even when he felt like he'd had a victory, she had a way of quickly turning the tables on him. Catching her eye, he gave her half grin. Ah yes, he would get his revenge. And it would be very sweet.

While Maria had Louisa stirring a gravy, Liesl and Friedrich were filling up serving bowls with the vegetables they'd baked in the oven alongside the roasting meats. Kurt and Brigitta were carefully carrying enough dinner plates to the dining room for everyone, while Marta and Gretl busied themselves setting the table in the dining room.

"Well, I think we're almost ready!" Maria declared, smiling across to Georg. It was his cue to start carving the meat. While he stood at the bench, carving knife in hand, the older children carried the vegetables into the dining room. Maria poured the gravy into a serving jug, passing it to Louisa to take to the dining table.

As the children all made their way out of the kitchen, Maria walked around and stood beside Georg. "Thank you," she said quietly, placing a hand on his lower back.

"Whatever for?" he turned and smiled at her.

"For finding me the other night. For making this Christmas so special," she stood up on her toes and kissed him on the cheek.

Putting the carving knife down on the bench, he pulled her to him and gave her a searing kiss on the lips. Reluctantly pulling away from her, he grinned at her as she tried to catch her breath. "I love you, Maria," it was a hoarse whisper. "But you're such a wicked distraction," he poked her below the ribs. Letting out a squeal, she squirmed out of his grasp and slowly backed out of the kitchen, not breaking his gaze until she'd reached the doorway.

"I love you too, Georg," she mouthed as she turned on her heel towards the dining room.

Georg wasn't sure how long he stood looking towards the doorway, his pulse racing as stray thoughts started flooding his mind. Oh God, he was in trouble…

ooooXXXXoooo

Sitting on the settee in front of the open fire, Maria couldn't remember a Christmas day that had been more perfect. Gretl was on her lap, fast asleep from all of the day's excitement. Maria's arm held the small girl to her. Bending down, she placed a kiss on top of Gretl's head. Maria's other arm was around Marta, who was sitting beside her on the settee, and had also fallen asleep in the crook of her arm.

It had snowed all day, getting heavier as the day wore on. By the time they'd finished their Christmas feast, it was obvious that the driver wouldn't be returning later in the afternoon for Maria. She was going to have to spend the night at the villa. The children had been so excited at the prospect of having Maria back, just like things had been during summer. Georg had been buzzing with excitement of spending time alone with Maria after the children were in bed. No staff. No Max. No Elsa. Just the two of them.

Although they were all tired now, it had been a wonderful Christmas day, full of new memories and traditions. After they'd finally finished the Christmas feast, they settled around the salon singing carols while Maria played the guitar.

At one stage, while singing carols, Georg had asked Maria to pass him the guitar. Her questioning look soon faded to pure joy as she recognised the opening strains of Edelweiss. The memories of that night, came flooding back before he'd even finished the first line. But then, the special memories from that night, the night of the puppet show, were never far away.

That night, was the first time he thought he'd recognised a longing in her eyes that mirrored his. But then, it had been impossible to know for sure. He'd been surrounded by the children. Max had already been teasing him about the undue attention he'd been paying the governess. And of course, Elsa had been sitting right there. He was supposed to be courting her. The feelings that had hit him should have been for Elsa. Instead, they were for Maria, and the intensity of his attraction to her had left him shaken.

Maria smiled to herself. Liesl and Brigitta were both reading quietly, already making headway through their Christmas gifts. Georg was on the floor, helping the boys and Louisa piece together the model train set they'd received for Christmas. His jacket and tie had long been removed, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, his shirtsleeves rolled up.

She really enjoyed sitting back and watching him playing with the children. Looking so relaxed. Looking so devilishly handsome. Maria looked across at him affectionately as he swallowed another curse. He looked up at her apologetically, and returned her arched brow with a little shrug of his shoulders. He'd spent years pouring over drawings and designs for U-boats, surely he could work out how these train tracks fit together! Running a frustrated hand through his hair, his eyes were still locked with Maria's.

Without breaking his gaze, Georg gave her a small nod. "Children, it's time for bed!" he said it quietly enough so as not to wake the two small girls who were still snuggled against Maria. The children protested, as usual, begging for just a little longer. But tonight, they didn't put up their usual resistance. It had been a long and exciting day, and they were all tired.

"Father, can't we finish building this part of the track," Friedrich pleaded.

Georg reached over and ruffled his son's hair. "It will still be here in the morning, we can work on it tomorrow if it's still snowing," he smiled. They hadn't ventured any further outside than the back terrace all day. They'd all leaned along the balustrade, rugged up in their mittens and scarfs, looking longingly at the blanket of white snow, while more kept falling. But, all too soon, they were missing the warmth of the open fire and quickly raced each other back inside to thaw out.

Georg got to his feet as the older children reluctantly gathered themselves up and started making their way out towards the stairs. He walked across to where Maria was still seated with the youngest girls. He smiled at her and brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. He'd been desperate to steal even just a few minutes with her all day. But the children had clung to her and had barely let her out of their sights. He could hardly blame them. He knew how they felt. He'd been exactly the same. Just wanting to be in the same room as her. Just wanting to sit back and watch her. Just thankful that she was back with them, where she belonged. But now, he could feel his excitement building, knowing that the children would soon be in bed. Knowing that soon he would have her all too himself.

Reaching down, he scooped Marta up into his arms. He kissed her forehead affectionately as she murmured and stirred. "Sshhh, Princess…" he whispered.

He glanced across at Maria to make sure she was able to lift Gretl. With a nod and a smile, she was on her feet beside him with his youngest daughter safely in her arms.

ooooXXXXoooo

Closing the door to Brigitta's room behind them, Georg placed his arm around Maria's waist as they walked in a comfortable silence.

"I don't think it's ever been easier getting those children to fall asleep," he whispered against her hair as they found themselves halfway down the stairs.

Maria turned and smiled up at him. "I wish it had always been so easy!" she replied softly. "Some nights it took forever."

Dropping his arm from around her waist, Georg reached down, taking her hand in his and leading her down the remaining stairs and across the foyer to his study. Reaching into the pocket of his trousers, he took out the key to the door and had it unlocked and open in one swift motion. God, the anticipation was overwhelming.

Before the door was even closed behind them, he had turned Maria around so she was facing him. He'd lit a fire earlier, and it was throwing a soft, warm light on her face. She was truly breathtaking. Dropping his hand from her waist, he reached out and closed the door behind them.

Looking back at her, he wasn't even aware that he was flexing his fingers. God, his fingers burned. In truth, they'd been burning all day. He'd been desperate to touch her all day. To kiss her. To feel her in his arms, against his body. He'd barely been able to satisfy himself with the stolen kisses and discreet touches. They hadn't eased his need. They hadn't dampened his desire. They'd left him anxious for more and barely holding everything together. Now, he was in danger of losing control completely.

Reminding himself to take things slowly, telling himself not to get carried away, they had all night ahead of them, he reached out and caught Maria's hand. Pulling her gently toward him, he rested her hand on his chest, over his heart. He wondered if she could feel it. It felt like it was going to burst free, it was beating that hard and fast. Reaching around her waist with his other hand, he pulled her flush against him.

He couldn't be certain, but he thought he heard a small sigh escaping. Glancing down, he could see her lips were parted. Just a little. But it was enough. She was struggling to control her breathing as well.

"Maria, thank you," he murmured, looking back into her eyes with an intensity he couldn't hide.

"What for, Georg?" she asked, sounding out of breath. What was it about this man, she wondered. Just one of his smouldering looks, and she couldn't think. She could barely remember to breathe.

"For making this Christmas so beautiful," he said simply. "For being so beautiful…" he trailed off, losing his train of thought. He bent down and kissed her lips with a sweet, gentle kiss. "For loving my children, when I couldn't…" he kissed her again, feeling her smile against his lips at the mention of the children. "For making me feel again…" he kissed her forehead, trying to remind himself that they needed to talk. Even now, they'd barely spoken since stumbling across each other in the street.

Pulling back, he looked down at her, he thought his heart would burst. "I love you, Maria," he whispered as he let go of her hand, and cupped her cheek. Looking down at her lips, he knew that this time, he was in trouble.

"Georg, I love you so much," Maria couldn't hide the tears in her eyes.

His mouth was on hers before he knew what he was doing. His arm around her waist was pulling her closer, holding her against him, as she opened her mouth and his tongue found hers. They were supposed to be talking. He'd had it all planned. On the sofa, in front of the roaring fire. But here he was ravaging her barely two steps inside the room. He'd hardly had time to close the door behind them.

Over the sound of the blood pounding in his ears, he heard the most delightful moan escaping. It was a sound that had haunted him these past nights, a sound he would never tire of hearing. Oh God, she tasted even sweeter than the other night. Their kisses were now urgent, desperate, driven on by a hunger they were struggling to satisfy. He knew he needed to slow things down. He knew he was in danger of losing any resolve he had left. Just another minute listening to her adorable sighs and moans, and then…

But suddenly, nothing else mattered. He couldn't think of anything. There was only one thing that had his attention. Maria's hand was splayed against his bare chest. Dear God! Her fingers were slowly dragging across his hardened nipple leaving a trail of skin in their wake that felt like it was on fire. Now she was pulling at his skin, raking her nails across his chest. He needed to feel more of her. He couldn't be satisfied until he felt her skin against him, underneath him. He heard a groan. Surely that wasn't him? What was happening? What was this woman doing to him?

God help him, she was bringing him undone…

Thank you everyone for reading the first chapter and for all your lovely reviews.

I owed you all a second chapter. Apologies, the first chapter ended a little suddenly and up in the air. Anyway, I hope you liked this one. It's really just a continuation of the first chapter's sugary fluff, just trying to capture a little more of that Christmas magic!

Please check out "Come Away With Me" – another gorgeous song by Norah Jones.

I still don't own TSOM, just had a little lend!

"Immerse your soul in love"