15. Carina
FIFTEEN
CARINA
“Plain black coffee. Do you ever drink anything else?” I ask as I sip my only drink option, a white chocolate mocha.
Henrik shakes his head, and if he weren’t wearing a beanie, I’m sure his shaggy, reddish-blond hair would cover his captivating dark-blue eyes. I inch my cup towards him. “Are you sure you don’t want to try my mocha? It’s delicious.”
He gruffly answers, “No, thank you,” then lifts his cup to his lips.
Until now, my interactions with Henrik have been dreamy.
The concern on his face as he listened to me share about my uncle.
The excitement of him asking me for coffee.
As he helped me out of his truck, the thrill I felt rush through my body when our hands touched was exhilarating.
Even sitting next to him as he complimented my eyes.
There’d been a roughness to it all, but I found it endearing, and not once did it seem like I offended him.
I’m thrilled that he’s showing me the real him.
It makes me feel special, and I’m grateful he finds me worthy. Except now, his response is gruff.
Holding up my hands, I say, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you… grouchy.”
He frowns and then shakes his head. But he says nothing, leaving me confused.
Raising a brow, I ask, “I didn’t make you grouchy?”
He shakes his head again. Okay. Then his shoulders slump, and he finally speaks.
“No, you didn’t. It’s just most people say that’s how I am.
” He’s not wrong. That’s what people have been saying about him as far back as I can remember.
Townsfolk always said the Berg children were all different.
Mia was cheery and happy, while Henrik was grumpy and gloomy.
Edgar was somewhere in the middle. But I wonder if what everyone thinks is true. Maybe he’d been misunderstood?
“What do you say?” I ask. He looks at me, confusion covering his handsome face. “Does that description fit who you are?”
Henrik leans back in his chair and removes his black beanie.
Just as I imagined, his hair tumbles into his face.
He pushes it out of the way while maintaining eye contact with me.
His stare is intense, and it causes a shiver to run down my back.
It feels like he’s looking into my soul, assessing whether I’m worthy of his answer.
A slight frown mars his features, and he shakes his head.
“No, it isn’t entirely inaccurate. I struggle to connect with people, I guess.
I spend so much time out at sea, barking orders, that I never know the right thing to say when I’m home.
So I keep my mouth shut most of the time.
Just let others judge me.” He shrugs, discomfort flashing across his handsome face.
I can’t help but feel giddy that he’s opening up to me.
I smile, hoping it’ll encourage him to say more, but he remains mum. Leaning forward, I ask, “Then who are you? You have a clean slate here. Tell me what I need to know about Henrik Berg.”
He flashes me an incredible smile that does unmentionable things to my body.
I can’t hide the smile it brings to my own lips.
But not even a minute later, his smile falls.
He seems uncomfortable again, and pulls the beanie back on.
I can’t help but wonder if Henrik has withdrawn completely, and the man who sits before me has resorted to the grumpy version of himself.
I watch as he takes another drink of his coffee.
Then he blows my mind when he introduces himself. Officially.
“My name is Henrik Anders Berg. I’m a third-generation crab fisherman.
I have two siblings—a sister, Mia, who you know, and a little brother, Edgar, who fishes with me.
I love dogs. My favorite thing to do is hike, and my favorite place to go is Termination Point, especially on a blustery day.
I could listen to the waves crash against the rocks below for hours.
It’s an incredible reminder of the power of the sea without being vulnerable to it.
There, I’m safe, unlike when I’m on a 110-foot crabber surrounded by it. ”
I know there’s more to him, but I’m happy with what he’s shared.
His expression is hopeful as he looks at me.
Smiling widely, I introduce myself. “My name is Carina Emma Dahl. I have three younger sisters, Ebbie, Kindra, and Aloisa. I enjoy hiking too, but if I had to choose, I would stay closer to the sea. She calls to me, and it’s probably why I became a marine biologist.” I’ve never admitted that to anyone because I don’t want them to think I’m weird.
I try to reason out why I told him all of that.
I think he makes me feel… safe. Worthy of finally being listened to and seen.
Swallowing hard, I look at him. His stunningly deep eyes are fixed on me.
My body tightens under his gaze. I’ve never felt so seen before.
Nervous, I stutter as I continue. “M-my favorite thing to do is w-walk on the beach. It’s so peaceful.
I love beachcombing, and I’ve found so many things on beaches in Alaska and California. ”
He leans forward, like he’s genuinely interested. “What do you think is the best thing about beachcombing?”
“I’ve amassed a beautiful collection of sea glass.
A few years ago, I found the poem I Want to Age Like Sea Glass by Bernadette Noll.
It’s beautiful, and it speaks to me.” Shit.
There I go again. Why did I share that? Apparently, I have a case of verbal vomit with my crush.
I’m so embarrassed. I’m sharing things that most people would find odd, causing them to pull away, and that is the last thing I want to do with him.
“I’ve never heard of it. Do you have a copy?” Surprised by his interest, I pull it up online and hand him my phone. After a few minutes, he hands it back with a smile. “I’m not a huge fan of poetry, but that is outstanding.”
“I think so too,” I gush.
“I get it,” he says.
“Get what?”
“The draw to the sea. I have the same calling. I understand exactly what you’re saying.”
Relief that I didn’t massively embarrass myself floods me, and I relax back into my chair and take a drink of my coffee.
A shy smile tugs at his lips. He is so handsome. “What?” I ask.
“Could I try your mocha? I do like sweet things. I’ve just never added it to my coffee. Maybe I’ll like it.”
Pushing the mug to him, I watch as he slowly raises it.
A tentative sniff earns a smile. He closes his eyes and takes a sip.
An appreciative hum sounds in his throat.
Lowering the mug, he has a bit of whipped cream on his beard.
Without thinking, I scoot forward and wipe it away.
Bringing my finger to my mouth, I suck it off.
“Ooh,” he says, his eyes widening in surprise.
Feeling shy, I murmur, “Sorry, you had a little cream there.”
“Well, thank you for taking care of it, and for sharing your drink with me.”
“Is it your new favorite?” I tease.
He laughs and waggles his eyebrows. “No, but I’ve always heard it’s good to try new things.
” Is he flirting? I’ve learned today that he’s full of surprises.
He’s shown me a tender side. Although there’s no argument that Henrik is gruff, I’m finding he’s easy to talk to.
My stomach rumbles like I’m hungry. I had breakfast this morning, but when I look at my phone, my eyes bulge. “It’s noon.”
“No, that can’t be,” Henrik says in his smooth, baritone voice.
Still shocked, I nod. Needing confirmation, he reaches for my hand to turn my screen to him.
The touch of his large, warm hand sends heat rushing through my body.
My blood pressure rises as my heart thumps steadily.
My brain turns to mush as I dreamily stare at the Viking god before me.
With my free hand, I unzip my sweater. Still feeling overheated, I waved my hand, trying to fan myself.
Henrik side-eyes me. “Are you okay? You’re not sick or anything, are you?”
Not confident coherent words will come out of my mouth, I shake my head.
“That’s good.”
“Why?” I force out.
“Because I wanted to invite you to dinner, and that wouldn’t work if you’re sick.”
“Oh.” I titter. He’s asking me out. My heart soars and my stomach somersaults. My palms sweat as I wring my hands together.
Moving closer, he places his hand on my knee. An explosion of tingles travels down my leg and straight to my core. “Carina, I’d love to take you to dinner the night after next, if you’re free.”
My mouth drops open. I never thought in a million years that Henrik Berg would ask me out.
I pinch my arm. “Ouch,” I say while rubbing the tender spot.
“Why did you do that?” he asks with a deep growl.
I nervously laugh, and my cheeks heat. “Just checking to see if this is real.”
Confidently, he says, “It’s definitely real. The night after next, I’m going to wine and dine you.”
Without thinking, I finish the saying. “And then sixty-nine me?” When my brain catches up, my eyes bulge out and my hand shoots to my mouth. “Uhh,” I mumble, wishing a sinkhole would open below me and swallow me whole. Mortified and unable to look at him, I drop my gaze to my lap.
A gruff laugh escapes him, and I realize it’s one of the best sounds I’ve ever heard.
My heart swells as I absorb the effect of his hearty, full, and genuine laughter.
Chancing a glance, I look up to see a full-tooth smile on Henrik’s handsome face.
His high cheekbones are tinged pink, and his gorgeous eyes are dancing with delight.
His reaction is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced. Henrik catches my eye and winks.
“To answer your question, probably not on the first date, but by the third, it’s a strong possibility.”
Later that night, I sent a text to my bestie from college.
Me
Stace, I had coffee with a guy!
Stacy
WHAT???? Tell me all about him.
Me
He’s the guy from high school I told you about.
Stacy
Oh yeah. What was his name again?
Me
Henrik, and he’s even dreamier now.
Stacy
Ok, but didn’t you say something about him being grumpy?
I laugh to myself.
Me
He is, but for some reason I find that growly, alpha variety hot. Today, he showed me he was much more. He’s kind, funny, and so easy to talk to. And…
Stacy
And what?
Me
He asked me to dinner.
Stacy
That’s awesome. I’m so happy for you. I hate to cut this short, but I have a big work presentation in the morning and I need to get to bed. I can’t wait to hear more about this guy. I hope he wows you. No one deserves it more.
Me
Thanks, Stace. Good luck tomorrow.
It had been too long since I talked to Stacy. In addition to working, she’s also earning her master’s degree in marine biology. I’m so proud of her. I know if I’d stayed in San Diego, I would have been on a similar path, but I enjoy the slower-paced island lifestyle I have in Kodiak.