laughter as he took off after her.
“You lied,” he called out with elation. He had caught up with her easily. She looked at him with eyes full of love, but she hoped that he didn’t know her inner feelings. Complete exhilaration took over her as the ground seemed to fly right past her and the scenery became blurry. She took a deep breath and smiled, watching the horse’s ears tuck back tightly. Moonlight's hooves were barely touching the ground.
They crossed quite a distance when suddenly they were in front of the beautiful lake she had seen from the bedroom window the night before. It was breathtaking. She pulled on the reins and stopped close to the water. Sebastian stopped next to her.
“You are a pretty good rider. How come you lied?”
“I never lied. I said that I was scared of horses, and that is an absolute truth,” she said.
“I took it to mean that you couldn’t ride when in fact you can,” he said grinning. She didn’t reply, just stared wide-eyed over the water.
“What is it?” he asked, watching her intently.
“The view…is breathtaking,” she said. She slid off her horse, quite a feat with the dress around her. Taking the reins, she walked slowly to the edge of the water. Enjoying the scenery, she stood silently. Sebastian dismounted and walked to stand right next to her. His body brushed her side, leaving his fragrant scent to tempt her. Her breath held in her throat, and her body shivered.
“You are beautiful,” he whispered. Arielle turned to look at him. Their lips locked in a warm kiss filled with desire. She quivered, and he pulled back gasping. He looked lost for words. Clearly struggling to suppress his desire, he shook his head.
“Will I see you again?” he asked anxiously. She could hear anxiety in his voice.
“Yes,” she replied, knowing that her reply was true. Maybe not this century , but certainly in mine . He watched her thoughtfully.
“Arielle!” The anxiety was evident in his eyes.
Electrifying emotions filled her mind. Sebastian looked into the depths of her sapphire eyes. Arielle raised her eyebrows. “What is it, Sebastian?”
Startled at the sound of her voice, he swallowed hard and cleared his throat. “Arielle, do you promise that I will see you again?”
“Yes, I promise,” she said without hesitation. He had no idea how long it would be before their next miraculous encounter in St. Jean de Luz. Five hundred years plus. The almost unbelievable thought made her chuckle under her breath. “We’ll meet again, Sebastian, but please, in the meantime, try to be happy. Your mother told me something last night that I believe is true.”
“Oh, what was that?” he asked.
“She said that the world is full of undeniable beauty, awe, and wonder. Try to experience all of it as life is short with no guarantees.”
Sebastian threw his head back and laughed blissfully. “That sounds like my mother.”
He drew her back into his arms and held her tight. He lowered his head once again and pressed his lips on hers with unleashed desire that left her breathless. After a very long moment, he released her and then lifted her to the saddle.
A quiet sigh escaped her lips as a puzzling thought entered her mind. She wondered how much time had passed back in her century. It was a fraction of time, but how small? She was mesmerized at the thought of time passing at different rates. She looked out into the distance, and lowering her gaze gradually to his face, she smiled wide.
“I wonder where your parents took Eva and Gabrielle?” she asked, straightening her back while seated on the horse.
“There are many places in the estate that you can ride. If we don’t find them soon, we will meet with them back at the house,” he said and grinned. She found his smile enchanting. He mounted effortlessly, pulled on the reins, and started out with Arielle by his side. They enjoyed the next couple of hours, riding across beautiful green fields without talking.
They