Chapter 6

Linka could barely make eye contact with him for the rest of the day, her cheeks would just flush up if Wheeler as much brushed his arm against hers. Throughout dinner, she was not her usual chatty self, and was glad that the couple they had befriended had chosen to sit down next to them. It would create a distraction, and perhaps keep Wheeler's attention off her.

But, no luck, the American had eyes only for her the entire evening, studying her silently or getting lost in apparent daydreams about her. Linka wondered what he thought of their kiss, if it had been as sweet for him as it was for her. A little evil voice inside her head told her he'd probably kissed dozens of girls, and surely, she couldn't be his best kiss given the odds?

Linka's mind was still dissecting all details as she finished getting ready for the night in the bathroom. Once she walked into the room, she took note of Wheeler sprawled out on the bed, propped up against a pillow and flipping through the channels on the wall-mounted TV. She bit her lip, then decided to take place beside him as subtly as possible.

"Hey, babe," he smiled a little, then offered her the remote in what Linka thought was a gentleman-like gesture. Or a peace offering. He is trying, she thought, shaking her head and letting him pick some random movie she knew she would not follow, anyway.

Wheeler placed one arm around her waist and she let her head rest on his shoulder, enjoying his closeness. She wanted to at least try being more relaxed, more open-minded, but it was so difficult for her to lose her firm grip on control. Perhaps, she was not sure she could stop if things became too heated with the Yankee, and she wasn't sure if she was ready for that, yet.

The Wind Planeteer sighed, once more lost in her thoughts, and Wheeler let his hand run down her arm in a brief caress.

"What's up, babe? You've been far away all day."

His assessment was right on, but Linka shrugged it off. Wheeler didn't seem to be satisfied with that, however, and he lifted up her chin so that he could lock eyes with her.

"Are you still sticking pins and needles in the little miniature Gi doll you've probably made?" asked Wheeler, genuinely concerned, and Linka could not help but let out a laugh.

"Nyet, you silly Yankee!"

"Then, what is it? Do you totally hate being here with me?"

"Nyet," Linka repeated, shaking her head. Was she giving off such a negative vibe? Poor Yankee, then, no wonder he seemed a bit sad!

"I am enjoying our time together. Have you noticed we are fighting less?"

His slow grin usually meant trouble, and he pulled her a little bit closer, resting his attention on her lips. "I did notice, babe. I especially noticed when you kissed me earlier."

"Bohze moi!" Linka's face blushed prettily and the Yankee laughed at her predicament. "It was you who kissed me!"

"Can you blame me?" Wheeler was pulling her closer, and Linka stole a peek at his lips, her heart racing. She felt familiar traces of desire running through her veins at his nearness.

"You're just, like, this beautiful, blonde apparition in the snow, a winter angel sent to skiers to warm up their hearts."

"Maybe you hit your head earlier, Wheeler?" teased Linka with a genuine smile, and he chuckled a little.

"If that were the case, I wouldn't remember how amazing it was to kiss you. And, trust me, I remember every single detail."

Linka blushed at his intimate tone of voice and the next thing she knew, he had lightly brushed his lips against hers. Slowly, as if he wanted to test out her reaction.

"But now that I think of it," smiled Wheeler, meeting her eyes briefly, "maybe I need a little refresher."

"Wheeler," Linka half-pleaded, not knowing if it was an invitation for him to stop or continue.

He laid her down on the bed and examined her eyes a little, searching unhurriedly. "Babe… how would it be different from the kiss we shared today?" he asked softly, picking up on her discomfort.

Linka did not answer, fixing her eyes on the front of his shirt. Being that open just wasn't her thing, but she suddenly wanted it to be. It was frustrating not being able to express her innermost tribulations.

"Maybe it's 'cuz you're wearing less clothes?" Wheeler smiled, and he ran a hand up her bare leg, all the while watching her reaction.

Her eyes widened and she could not help but smile back at him. Yes, that was part of it, she did feel more vulnerable. But it wasn't because she didn't trust him; rather, she didn't trust herself!

"All right, how about this, then? I'll just give you a kiss goodnight and then we can go to sleep so you can dream about me kissing you."

Half laughing, half smacking his arm, Linka abandoned herself to him, sighing against his lips when they came down on hers. It was all she could do to keep from spiraling into a world of wild desires and plenty of confusion.

Wheeler didn't give her just the one kiss, he'd lied about that, but she found herself easily forgiving him just the same. The kisses melted her core, and she tried her best to hide her disappointment when Wheeler pulled slightly away to end it.

They settled into bed, then, but this time, Wheeler held her to him, and she welcomed his warm arms around her frame. The compromise suited her fine. She liked the way the Yankee dealt with things at times; it was far less complicated compared to her jumbled thoughts, and much more practical. Linka hushed the little voice inside her that craved more of Wheeler's touches, for that could only lead to some serious trouble!