21. Carina
TWENTY-ONE
CARINA
The last few days have been busy while I familiarize myself with all the policies, procedures, and forms for NOAA and the bottom trawl survey. Although the excitement I feel for this new adventure is incredible, it doesn’t even compare to what I feel about spending the entire day with Henrik today.
Until this week, I hadn’t realized how his presence in my daily life has become integral to my happiness and overall contentment.
The only frustrating thing about it is that regardless of how much time we spend together, we’ve only just kissed.
At times, things between us get heated, but he always leaves me panting and desperate for more.
Unbeknownst to him, Henrik is a walking aphrodisiac.
His flirting game is on point, and his gentle, seemingly innocent touches light up my body like the Fourth of July.
Even with my lack of experience, my desire for him is off the charts, and every time he growls, whether he’s upset or not, my center clenches.
Even though the last few days have been exhausting, I find myself wide awake at seven, anticipating the arrival of my sexy fisherman.
I’m showered, dressed, and pacing my apartment, eager for his arrival. When it finally comes, an hour later, an enormous grin spreads across my face. A small, thrilled squeal falls from my lips as I rush to the door.
I freeze when I get my first glimpse of him. Dressed in dark blue jeans that match his eyes, my heart rate speeds up. His unzipped coat reveals a tight oatmeal-colored thermal that clings to the defined curves of this blue-collar god. My cheeks warm as I unabashedly objectify his amazing body.
“You are so sexy,” I mutter. His eyes darken, and he leans forward, setting a coffee and bakery bag on the catch-all table I have in my entryway.
With his hands now free, he steps closer and pulls me into his muscular arms. “Morning, gorgeous.” He nuzzles into my neck, deeply inhaling against the spot where I spray my vanilla body spray, and groans. His hot breath tickles, and I squirm. “Are you ready for our special day?”
“Henrik’s Day?” I whisper.
Pulling back, he nods. “But first, I brought you breakfast.”
“Oh, thanks.” I hum, then pause. “But where’s yours?”
He smirks. “The muffin is huge. I thought we could share.” I peek into the bag. He isn’t kidding. The chocolate chip muffin is the size of a softball.
Stepping into my small kitchen, I ask, “Do you want me to make you a cup of coffee?”
“Please,” he says, moving closer. Rising on my toes, I reach for the largest mug I have. My shirt lifts as my fingertips brush against it. “Almost there,” I mumble as I try my hardest to make myself taller.
“Fuck me,” Henrik groans over my shoulder just before his body presses against mine.
All it takes is one touch and my heart is pounding against my breastbone.
One of his large hands curls around my hip possessively, pulling me into him.
And the other reaches past my raised arm, easily collecting the crab-themed mug that reads I’d hit that.
I can tell when he reads it by his mumbled “totally.” Then he sets it on the counter next to my coffee machine and backs away, taking the heat of his body with him.
Having him that close has left my body wanton.
Blowing out a deep breath, I reach for my jar of coffee pods.
My hands tremble while loading the machine, and I shake my head.
Get it together. My body is desperate, craving more of him.
Shoving that need down, I remind myself to behave.
Dry humping him in my kitchen isn’t what I want.
Or is it? No. I want more. This thing between us is more than just physical.
And I can wait. Let’s just hope it isn’t for too much longer.
When the coffee is done and my apartment is filled with heavenly coffee scents, I turn and hand him the cup. “This muffin looks delicious,” I say as I pull off part of the muffin top. It’s still warm, and the melty chocolate chips leave delicious evidence behind on my fingertips.
“This is so good.” I moan as I chew, washing it down with a sip of the white chocolate mocha.
Henrik, wearing a sexy smirk, watches me over the rim of his cup.
“What?” I ask. “Do I have chocolate on my face?”
For a moment, I’m embarrassed, until he answers with a laugh, “Nope. It’s nice to hear you enjoying the muffin so much.”
“I am. It’s fantastic. But you know what’s even better?” He raises a questioning brow. Smiling widely, I answer, “Kisses from you. They’re my favorite.”
“Fuck, Carina. I’ve missed you,” he says as he steps closer.
Leaning forward, he seals his lips to mine.
I press my body to his and find we fit perfectly together, like two matching puzzle pieces.
He groans, and the deep rumble in his chest sends goose bumps spreading over every inch of my heated body.
My mind goes blank. I don’t know how he does it, but whenever I’m close, I fall victim to him, and I can’t remember what I’d been doing.
Our kiss turns more passionate. Nipping my lower lip, he pulls it into his mouth and sucks.
Like striking a match, I burn for him. Yearning to be closer, I moan.
He breaks the kiss, and my heart squeezes.
Dragging his hands up my arms, he gathers my wrists above my head, pinning them to the cabinet.
Dipping his head, he presses his lips to mine and kisses me soundly.
You’d think we’d been separated for months, not a week.
Our teeth clash and our tongues wrestle as we reconnect on a purely physical level.
Grunting, he uses his hips to push me against the counter.
Feeling his long, hard cock press into me releases a kaleidoscope of butterflies in my stomach.
“Henrik,” I say on a moan, wanting him more than I ever have in my life.
He pulls back and pants, “What, gorgeous?” Without words, my eyes plead with him, and he nods.
Releasing the hold he has on my wrists, he lowers his hand to my hip and squeezes before picking me up.
Looping my arms around his neck, I pull him closer as he helps me wrap my legs around his waist. His hands settle against my ass, locking me to him.
It’s impossible not to respond to the heat coming off his cock, which is lined up with my center.
I swivel my hips. It feels so incredible, I whimper.
“Carina,” he growls. The deep timbre of his voice sets off tingles that cover my entire body, and a shiver travels up my spine.
My hips quiver against him. In response, he firmly grabs my ass and grinds himself against me until an orgasm rips through me.
My eyes flutter closed and my head tilts back as a moan falls from my lips.
“Fuck, you’re beautiful. I can’t wait to see you come on my cock.
” I whimper at his words. He’s a dirty talker.
I love it. Until now, I never realized I wanted that.
My pulse races as he quickly moves to my couch and sits down.
“Want me to make you feel even better, sweetheart?” His grip on my hips tightens, and he drags me up and down his hard, throbbing shaft.
Unashamedly, I take everything he’s willing to give me, and dry hump the sexiest man I’ve ever met.
In only a few passes, my panties are saturated.
What he’s doing feels incredible, but I need more.
Slipping my fingers in between us, I rub my clit through my leggings.
His gaze drops to the space between us, and he groans.
“That’s my dirty girl. Fuck, you are so sexy when you pleasure yourself.
I can’t wait to see you do that when you’re naked.
” His strokes become harder and faster, and the orgasm I’ve been chasing barrels through me.
My toes curl as pleasure explodes. The after-effect has my clit pulsating and throbbing.
“Henrik,” I pant as he cradles me against his chest.
“Yes, beautiful?” he murmurs against my neck.
“Can we do that again? Maybe next time naked and with you inside me?”
He laughs, shocking me. “I plan to, but that’s more of an all-night activity.”
Did I hear him correctly? I swallow then question, “All night?” He nods with a sexy smirk.
I could barely remember the last time I had sex.
All I remember is that it had been lackluster and less than memorable.
And it had lasted minutes, not all night.
Frowning to myself, I deduce all the men I’ve had sex with sucked, and not in an enjoyable way.
“Okay,” I mumble as I lean into him. “What’s on the agenda for the day?”
He runs his hands up my back. “We’re heading to Glass Beach to gather more sea glass for your collection. After that, we’ll grab lunch and head to the docks. I want to introduce you to the Brina.”
I wrap him in a hug. “That sounds like a perfect day.”
A little while later, I pop my head out of my bedroom and ask, “How cold is it out there?”
“Twenty degrees,” he answers. Stepping back into my room, I pull off my leggings. It sounds chilly, so I grab my long underwear.
Henrik appears in the doorway and smiles as I pull my jeans over my long underwear. “I’d say layers, but it looks like you’re already doing that.”
Reaching high in my closet, I pull down my warm Sherpa pullover and snuggle my face into it.
He laughs. “That looks toasty.”
“It is,” I say as I flash him a grin while wrestling a pair of wool socks out of my dresser. Adding my coat, hat, scarf, and mittens, I’m all set. Once I’m sure I have enough layers to fend off the chill of the day, we head for the door.
Henrik helps me into his truck. He gives me a sweet kiss on the lips and hands me my mocha before shutting my door. The drive to the beach doesn’t take long. The hike out to it takes longer. Henrik hands me a Ziploc bag when we step onto the sand. “Is this for the sea glass I find?”
He nods. “Using bags keeps your pockets clean.” I laugh because he’s one hundred percent right. That lesson is one I’m still trying to embrace. I don’t know how often I come to the beach with no agenda and leave with pockets full of shells, sea glass, garbage, and, of course, sand.
“I have a bag for trash we find too.”
“That’s very responsible of you, Mr. Berg.”
He scoffs. “I’m just doing my part to protect the planet. Maybe the good karma I accumulate will save the crabs.”
My heart pinches. He needs to save the crabs for his livelihood. I need to save them because they’re part of our planet and the ecosystem. Plus, they deserve it. I smile at him. “Let’s hope so.”
Growing up on Kodiak, and being a sea glass collector since I was a child, I’ve been coming to Glass Beach for as long as I can remember. The sound of the waves crashing is music to my ears. The brisk air kisses my nose as I inhale the salty sea air.
Henrik grabs my hand, interlocks our fingers, and pulls me into his side.
Walking hand in hand down the beach, I recognize people I haven’t seen in years.
One woman my parents’ age with white hair approaches.
She looks very familiar, but her name has slipped my memory.
Henrik lifts his hand in greeting. “Morning, Norma. Find any treasures today?” Norma.
The name has me chasing a scattering of memories I’d shoved away years ago when I left Kodiak behind.
An adorable black lab appears next to her and barks.
Henrik laughs. “Hi, Charlie. How are you?” The friendly dog barks again.
Reaching into his Carhartt jacket, Henrik pulls out a treat.
Excitedly, Charlie wags his tail. “Looking for this, buddy?” Charlie barks again, and Norma laughs. “You spoil him, Henrik.”
Henrik shakes his head. “Nah.”
He squeezes my hand. “Norma, I’d like to introduce you to my girlfriend, the sea glass collector I was telling you about. Her name is…”
Norma blinks her eyes several times. “Carina, is that you?”
Almost as if it’s under its own power, my head nods. I’m still trying to get a handle on my emotions over seeing this woman from my past. My mind spins. I haven’t seen her since my last beach walk days before I left for college.
Confused, Henrik asks, “You two know each other?”
Norma smiles at him. “Heavens yes, child. I’ve known Carina since she was a baby, but I haven’t seen her in almost a decade, right?”
She looks at me, and I shake my head as my memories flood back. My eyes water. “It has been a while,” I whisper. “How are you?”
“I’m doing well. I’ve got nothing to complain about.
Taking daily beach walks with Charlie is the excitement in my life now that I’m retired.
I run into your parents and sisters from time to time, and they always give me an update on you.
I heard you moved back, and I knew it would only be a matter of time before we crossed paths. ”
Guilt about not keeping in touch sits heavily in my stomach. I force a smile. “It’s great to see you.” How do I make this right? An idea comes to me. “I’d love to catch up sometime. Would you be interested in meeting me for coffee?”
Clutching her wrinkled hands at her chest, she grins. “That would be lovely.” After exchanging numbers, Charlie and Norma head off, and Henrik and I resume our hunt for sea glass.
Getting back to his truck two hours later, I kick the sand off my boots before swinging my legs into the cab. Before he starts the truck, Henrik hands me an envelope. “What’s this?” I ask.
He shrugs, his cheeks turning pink, and he looks down at his hands. Adorable.
Removing the card, I see another piece of the prettiest white sea glass in the shape of a heart. Smiling, I look at him. Closet romantic. Flipping the card over, I see another beautiful quote.
Joy can be found anywhere: a crashing wave, an empty beach, the wind in your hair, discovering a piece of sea glass, or meeting an incredible woman.
Thank you for bringing so much joy into my life.
~Henrik
“Henrik,” I sigh, clutching the card to my heart. I wait until he looks at me before I continue. “This is so special. Thank you.” I lean over the console and press my lips to his. His kiss tastes refreshing and salty, like the ocean.