18. Henrik
EIGHTEEN
HENRIK
Throwing my truck into park, I lean back in my seat.
“Hmm,” I hum, as I scratch my head and look around.
I don’t remember the drive home. My mind was too preoccupied with how incredible Carina is.
Tonight was better than anything I could have dreamed.
The food, the conversation, the chemistry, the woman.
Lord, this woman. The adjectives in my limited vocabulary don’t do her justice.
From the moment she opened her front door, I was completely captivated and mesmerized. And that fascination never wavered. It only grew stronger, reaching epic heights I’ve never experienced before.
With just one shy look from her, my heart pounded in my chest. Her smile lit a fuse to an undiscovered part of happiness within me, making me smile wider than ever.
Never before had I considered what the woman of my dreams would be like, but I knew without a shadow of a doubt, Carina was it.
As far as I’m concerned, it doesn’t get better than her.
My phone buzzes in my cup holder. Pulling it out, my heart pounds when I see who messaged me.
Siren
Thank you again for tonight. I had a wonderful time. I loved the note and sea glass too. They were perfect.
Another smile pulls at my lips. Reaching up, I touch my cheeks. They’re tight and achy from all the extra use they got tonight. That makes me laugh. Whodathunkit? The grumpy fisherman actually smiles. Purposely. Repeatedly. It’s easy with her.
Me
I had a great time too. I know I said I wouldn’t text until tomorrow, but I can’t wait. And you did text first.
Siren
Emojis, huh? I never expected that from you. p.s. I don’t know the timelines and rules for texting your date either. #justanotherthingtolearntogether
Me
I’m just glad you aren’t laughing at me.
Siren
Nope. I’m laughing with you.
Me
In that case, are you free for dinner tomorrow?
Siren
Hold please. Let me check my incredibly busy social calendar
It looks like I can squeeze you in tomorrow
Me
If you’re too busy, I understand.
Siren
I was teasing. I don’t have a social life. I don’t want to sound pathetic, but on the rare occasion I hang out, it’s usually with someone from work or with Mia.
Me
Oh. Okay. I have little to no social life too. But I’d like to fill up some days on your social calendar.
Siren
I’m confident that can be arranged. And tomorrow night is yours.
Me
Sounds great. Does grabbing a burger at six work for you?
Siren
It’s perfect. See you then. Goodnight.
Me
Night, gorgeous.
My mind is still fixated on Carina as I climb out of my truck and head to my front door.
I nearly trip over a colorfully decorated Ziploc bag.
Peering closer, I see the bag is full of monster cookies, and there’s a note attached.
Although I’m full from dinner, it doesn’t stop me from biting into one as I open my front door.
Setting the bag on the counter, I open the note.
Have fun on your date
Mia
As if a thunderclap booms next to me, the pieces fall into place. Carina must have told Mia about our date, and she told Mom. These are apology cookies. She knew once she told Mom I had a date, I should expect the inquisition. But the joke’s on her. Mom was better than I expected.
Still riding on the high of my amazing date, and because I’m not-so-secretly an asshole, I take a picture of the cookies and send it to Eirik.
Eirik
I’ll BE RIGHT OVER. YOU WILL SHARE.
Damn, all caps. Chuckling, I say out loud, “He sounds serious.”
Me
I’m hiding them now.
Eirik
It better not be down your pants. I already did that, and they still tasted fine.
Wait. Aren’t you supposed to be on a date? Are those pity cookies? If so, they’re all yours. But I’m still coming over.
Me
They aren’t pity cookies. They’re apology cookies from my sister. In case you cared, my date went great. I have another tomorrow.
Eirik
Apology cookies from Amelia. For what?
Me
Yes, she felt bad about telling our mom about my date.
Eirik
Oh shit!!!!! Did your mom come over?
Me
She did.
Eirik
Me
She made sure I had a decent outfit and reminded me to mind my manners.
Eirik
Was it painful? I swear your mom could teach interrogation tactics at Quantico.
Me
You aren’t wrong, but she was fine.
A few minutes pass and then Eirik strolls into my house like he owns it.
Shaking my head, I ask, “Ever heard of a doorbell or knocking before entering?”
He grabs the bag of cookies and palms a few before depositing them back on the counter. “Nope. I never took the Berg Manners Course like you.”
Snatching the bag from in front of him, I grumble, “Obviously.” Dropping into a chair nearby, he smacks loudly as he chews the cookies, moaning his delight from time to time. I smirk. “Do you need a moment alone with those?”
“These are heaven. I want to marry your sister so I can have access to these all the time.” My fists tighten.
Eirik is my best friend, and I love him, but that will never happen.
He and Mia have fought constantly since we were kids.
I’m not sure they even like each other. There’s no way he loves her.
He just loves the cookies. And even though I’m new to relationships, I know that’s not a reason to get married.
I glare at him. “Stay away from Mia.”
Dropping his last cookie, he tenses, puts his hands up, and huffs. “Okay, man. Chill. Just talking crazy because I’m on a sugar high here.” I roll my shoulders and tell myself to calm down. “So, about this date. You said it was great, but it’s only eleven and I’m at your house. What’s wrong?”
Annoyed, I shake my head and spit defensively, “Nothing is wrong. It was our first date.”
Confused, he looks at me with his lip raised. “But you don’t date. Did you even score?”
I frown. “It wasn’t about that. And I’m not telling you either way. You’re right, I haven’t really dated before. But Carina? She’s different. I want to get to know her better and see where this goes.”
Eirik stands up and walks around aimlessly.
I reach my hand out and stop him. “What are you doing?”
Looking worried, he states, “I’m looking for my best friend. He’s a grumpy crab fisherman who told me he’d never settle down. Have you seen him?”
I roll my eyes and give him a humorless laugh. “You’re funny. Just wait until you meet a woman who makes you reconsider what’s always been.”
He flops back into the chair, picks up his cookie, and says, “Yeah, that’s never happening,” before he takes a bite. Oh, to watch the mighty fall.