14. Henrik #2
“Okay, I’ll give you that. Listen, I have to go. Think of something I can do to make it up to you. I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m not. Those cookies are incredible and worth any punishment you can think of. I have to go. Bye.”
I hang up before she can respond.
Checking my reflection in a window, I straighten my hair and clothes. I breathe into my hand, and my breath smells like coffee. Tossing back a mint, I decide I’m ready.
I take in Carina as I make my way over to her.
She’s shorter than Mia’s 5’8”. Against my size, she looks petite.
The closer I get, the harder I study her, admiring her curves.
They’re decadent and every man’s dream. Her long blonde hair is wavy today and looks soft, and I wish I could touch it.
With her head turned partially away from me, I’m deprived of seeing her entire gorgeous face.
Even from this distance, I see she has the softest-looking skin and blush-pink lips.
Stepping closer, I clear my throat and then say her name. “Carina.”
“Huh?” she whispers before turning to me. Her normally gentle blue eyes are wet and stormy. Just the thought of something or someone making her sad has me in knots. I want to know why she’s crying. Who caused her tears? Replaying what I’d seen a few moments before, it’s obvious she’s lost someone.
Startled by my presence, her eyes widen as she studies me. Under her perusal, I’m suddenly nervous. “I-I didn’t mean to disturb you. I just wanted to say hi and officially introduce myself.”
“You didn’t disturb me,” she says, wiping below her eyes. “I was just taking a moment to remember my uncle Jakob.”
I approach the memorial and press my fingertips to it. “Is he on here?” She nods, her blue eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I’m so sorry for your loss. If you don’t mind my asking, when was he lost to the sea?”
I watch as her gaze travels to where the water spreads out beyond the harbor. “In 2005. I was ten.”
“You were so young. Do you remember what happened?” The nod of her head and the grimace on her face squeeze my heart tight like it’s in a vise.
Reaching out, I touch her arm. The contact is light and over several layers of clothing.
It’s without heat or passion—just comfort and understanding—yet I feel it right down to my soul.
Looking into her eyes, I lower my voice and say, “If it’s too hard to share, you don’t have to.
I don’t want to cause you any more pain. ”
Giving me a slight smile, she answers in a quiet voice.
“It’s okay. He was my dad’s twin and an experienced crab fisherman.
A rogue wave swept him overboard during a horrible storm in the Bering Sea.
By the time the wave cleared the deck, his crewmates ran to where he’d gone over, and there was no sign of him. ”
I hang my head. There’s nothing I can say other than I’m sorry, and I already did that. If she knows my sister, and grew up in Kodiak, there’s no way she doesn’t know I’m a crab fisherman, just like her uncle.
She spins to face me. “Do you ever get scared while you’re out there fishing?”
“Wh-what?” I stutter. Her question catches me off guard, and I need a moment to form my answer.
Her cheeks pinken. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have blurted that out, but I’ve always wondered. Crab fishermen… Are they fearless? Do they ever get scared?”
“I can’t speak for anyone else, but, yeah, I get scared.
I don’t know how you wouldn’t. The sea and weather are unpredictable.
You never know what to expect. I’d be irresponsible not to have a fear about it, especially as a captain.
” With no prying, she just identified a constant fear of mine.
Being in charge of the safety of others is my top priority.
She sighs. “That’s smart.” She hesitates, then asks, “Then why do it?”
“Simple answer? It’s in my blood.” I smile, hoping that’s enough of an explanation.
Her returning smile almost brings me to my knees. It’s not even about her beauty. Her expression is full of kindness and respect.
I step closer, making our conversation more intimate. “Can I ask you a question?” She nods. “Do you want to get out of this cold and grab a cup of coffee with me?” My stomach twists while I wait for her answer. Please say yes.
Seeing her reaction is the highlight of my day. Her eyes sparkle as the blush on her cheeks darkens. The smile she’s wearing widens, and my heartbeat races.
“Yeah?” she questions.
I nod. “I heard through the grapevine you’re a marine biologist and are studying crabs. I’d love to hear more about it.”
Her shoulders fall, her smile falters, and her cheery voice is tight when she answers, “Oh.”
My heart stutters as I watch her whither before my eyes.
What did I say?
Dammit, this is where I wish I had half of Eirik’s confidence and swagger. I’m messing this all up before I even get started.
“Shit,” I grumble, scowling at my idiocy as I take in Carina’s confusion.
“You’re frowning. I’m sorry if I said the wrong thing.
I’d just like to buy you a cup of coffee.
Make sure you’re hot. I mean, warm. You are hot.
Really hot. Fuck.” I slap my palm against my forehead, cursing myself, sure the heat in my own cheeks could act as a lighthouse beacon.
“Gah, that’s not what I meant.” I puff out a frustrated breath, my gaze flicking back to hers.
She’s trying not to laugh, which somehow bolsters my courage and eases the tension taking over my body.
Clearing my throat, I tell myself fuck it and admit, “I want to get to know you, Carina.”
“O-okay.” Her voice comes out in a breathy whisper, soft and sultry. But when the tips of her lips rise, forming a hesitant smile, I feel like I’ve won the damn lottery. “If we’re getting to know each other, I’m a fishery and marine biologist.
“Wow. That’s impressive.” Smart and gorgeous. Excitement plows through me like a speed train.
She rocks on her heels. “You said something about coffee?”
“I was thinking Solid Grounds. Can I give you a ride?” She grins and nods.
Carina remains quiet the entire ride to the coffee shop. With her hands in her lap, she stares out the window. Not being the best conversationalist, I rack my brain, trying to come up with something to say during the short trip. But it’s awkward. Shit. I’m awkward.
“We’re here,” I say, before releasing an uncomfortable laugh. Carina gives me a timid smile. Damn, that was painful.
“Wait there.” I hop out of my truck, jog to the passenger side, and open the door.
Taking my offered hand, she steps out, a “thank you” on her kissable lips. With her small hand still cradled in my much larger one, I close the door and lead her into Solid Grounds.
Waiting in line, with her tucked against my side, I rub my callused thumb over her soft skin.
We’re opposites. I’m the hard to her soft.
After we place our order, we find a table.
Trying to be a gentleman, I help Carina out of her coat before taking my seat.
She looks at me over the small, round wooden table.
Her long eyelashes flutter open, revealing crystal blue eyes. My heartbeat intensifies.
“Y-you have the most beautiful eyes. They remind me of a song my grandfather used to listen to on the boat.”
A minute of silence passes between us. She sits beside me, her blue eyes captivating me. Wearing a questioning smile, she asks, “What song?”
I laugh. “I bet you’ve never heard it. It’s from the sixties. It’s called ‘Crystal Blue Persuasion.’”
“You’re right, it doesn’t sound familiar. But I’ll look it up. And thank you for the compliment.”
“Henrik. Carina,” a barista shouts out.
“Excuse me,” I say. “I’m going to grab the drinks. Is there anything else I can get you?”
She shakes her head and smiles. “Nope. I’m great.” Her smile is everything.