Chapter 52

Zoe’s POV

When the sudden sound came, I instinctively clutched at Xavier. Somehow he had made his place in my subconscious as my safe space and when in need, my body reacted without my permission.

We turned to see it was only a huge bird that had perched itself on one of the snow-covered branches around us.

We shared a glance and almost laughed at our over-dramatic reactions. But he was looking at me with so much intensity. One look in his stormy grey eyes at such closeness always had this effect on me.

I couldn’t keep the contact and looked away. Neither of us stepped away from each other.

“It is so beautiful here. Like a winter wonderland.” I whispered. The moment felt too delicate.

“It is even better in the Summer. I’ll show you when the lake unfreezes.” He offered.

“I’d love that.” I smiled up at him.

“The water is so clear, you can see the lake bed. It is a lot deeper than it looks. That’s when the swans migrate here from the Northern winter.” He told softly as if reminisci