11. Henrik
ELEVEN
HENRIK
“Are we there yet?” Edgar whines as he climbs the stairs to the wheelhouse with a smirk on his face.
He knows we aren’t close to home. No, he’s being the pain in the ass brother he is.
After weeks at sea, we both need a break from each other.
That’s one thing about crab fishing I hate.
There is no escape from the other people on the boat.
You’re trapped in the middle of nowhere for an undetermined amount of time.
Thankfully, my crew is an excellent group of guys and we get along well.
Standing up from the captain’s chair, I point to it. “Mind watching while I shower and put on some fresh clothes?”
He laughs. “Who are you looking to impress? Special lady coming to the docks to welcome you home?” I growl and slug his arm as he makes kissing noises. My fist tightens. How’d he know? Then I realize he’s just joking.
Pushing out a relieved breath, I tell myself he knows nothing about my mystery woman and that I’m cleaning up on the off chance she’ll be at the docks. I want to introduce myself. But I don’t want to smell like I’ve been on a crab boat for weeks.
Nerves swim laps in my stomach as I think about the possibility of finally meeting the woman I’ve been dreaming about for weeks.
Doubts stir in my brain and my heart twists.
She won’t be there. It doesn’t matter. Kodiak isn’t that big of an island.
If she isn’t there, I’ll run into her, eventually. I hope so anyway.
During our multi-day trip home, my crew and I had completed the necessary boat chores, so we don’t have too much to do once we’re docked in the harbor.
My crew is excited to get home. Most of them have families they’re eager to see.
And the last thing they want to do is spend additional hours on the boat.
The crew lines the bow as we head into Kodiak Harbor.
As we near, I can see my mom, dad, and sister waving.
I scan the nearby slips, looking for my siren.
A smile spreads across my lips as my gaze lands on a curvy blonde standing in the distance.
Wearing her long hair in braids, she’s adorable.
Wearing a matching maroon knit cap and scarf with the same fleece coat from before, she looks warm.
Nervous and excited, my heart thumps and my stomach tumbles.
She’s here. Standing up from my chair, I remind myself that now is the time to focus.
Navigating the 110-foot vessel takes finesse and a steady hand.
Once docked, we’re quick to disembark. As the captain, I’m always the last to leave.
Roy hops off the ship, drops to his knees, and kisses the dock. “Home at last!” he shouts. Laughter shakes my chest, and I embrace his sentiment. No matter how many times I leave, it feels amazing to return home.
Stepping from the Brina, I see Edgar shaking Dad’s hand. Mom stands with her hands clasped to her chest. “You’re home,” she says, her voice thick with relief.
Smiling at her, I pull her into my arms for a hug. “Hi, Mom.” When I step back, my heart gallops as I search the group, looking for her. My shoulders drop when I realize she’s nowhere to be found. Did I imagine her?
“Henrik?” my dad calls, disturbing my focus on searching for my siren.
I answer with a grunt, without looking at him. “Henrik,” he says again. When my gaze finds him, he’s wearing a frown. What did I do? My stomach drops. I don’t think I could handle any criticism right now.
Sounding pained, I force out a “Yeah?”
He steps closer and puts his large hand on my slumped shoulder. “Are you okay?” Yes. No. I don’t know. Unable to give him a straight answer, I nod my head and mutter, “I’m just tired.”
Mia laughs and shouts, “Bet you’re not too tired for Mom’s home cooking.”
“Never,” I say with a slight smile. Still looking at my dad, I see he returns it, the concern on his face gone.
My parents and Mia start toward the parking lot, and Edgar steps up next to me. “Hey, do you know who that gorgeous blonde with the maroon hat was? She was here when we first docked, but she disappeared before I even left the boat.” She was here. My heart skips a beat and my steps falter.
“Why?” I ask, my voice growly.
He looks at me with a challenge in his eyes. Waggling his eyebrows, he answers, “Because she was hot, and I was going to introduce myself.”
Trying to sound unaffected by the mention of her, I reply, “I don’t know her name, but I’ve seen her around the docks.
” His eyes light up, showing he’s interested.
Let’s put a stop to that. She’s mine. “I think Eirik said she’s a marine biologist.” As easy as blowing out a candle, the flicker of interest is extinguished, and a frown appears on his lips.
He scoffs. “She’s probably boring.”
I shake my head. “No, she’s just smarter than wanting a quick hook-up with you.
” He shrugs good-naturedly, and the matter is closed.
I grit my teeth, refusing to compete with my brother for the woman who holds all my interest. Thankfully, his interest in her only lasts as long as it takes to blink.
I can’t help but look back one more time, casting my gaze along the harbor wall, taking in the empty spot where she once stood.
Hoping for one more glimpse of the vision in red.
There’s nothing there but sea mist and disappointment.