Chapter 40 Astrid
ASTRID
“Look!” I press my nose to the glass of our private gondola and point with my finger. “That’s MetLife Stadium.”
Callan leans forward in his chair to look. “I see it.”
“The views are incredible from up here.” I don’t want to know how much it cost Callan to have this VIP gondola all to ourselves.
Our musical selection plays in the background through Bluetooth, and we got free sodas and access to the snazzy lounge.
After a morning spent walking around Central Park, getting to sit on my ass for the thirty-minute Dream Wheel ride is heaven.
“I can’t believe you’ve never been here before.” He rubs his nose against mine. “Some Ferris wheel expert you are.”
“Any time we came to the city, we always went to Coney Island, but I’m definitely telling Mom she has to bring Freja and Alma here.”
I rest my head on his shoulder, and we’re both quiet as we crest the peak, admiring the scenery spread out below us, until Callan clears his throat, gently lifting my head. I frown as I stare at him, wondering why he looks apprehensive. “I have one final gift for you.”
“Truly, this is too much.” He must have spent all the extra money he made from selling his truck, and I don’t feel worthy. He should’ve kept it for college, but I’m not sorry he didn’t because this is the most magical weekend, and I never want it to end.
His Adam’s apple bobs in his throat as he takes my hand and places a small box in my palm. “Nothing is too much for the girl I love.”
My heart leaps into my mouth, and I stop breathing for a split second. “What?” I whisper, wanting to make sure I heard him right. Tears fill my eyes, but they’re the happy kind.
“I love you, Astrid. I love you so damn much.”
“Callan.” Clutching the box, I fling my arms around him. “I love you too.”
“You’re trembling.” His warm breath fans across the side of my face.
“I’m feeling very emotional right now,” I admit, drawing back so I can look at him.
“I’ve wanted to tell you for a while.” He circles his arms around my back. “But I didn’t want to just throw it out there. I wanted the moment to be right.”
“I’ve known for months, but I didn’t want to say it and pressure you into saying it back.”
“You’re the first girl I’ve said those words to,” he admits, sending a thrill through me, “and I plan on you being the last.”
My heart is going crazy, and I’m so happy I cry. “Callan, stop.” Tears stream down my face. “You’re so romantic, and I’m completely and utterly madly in love with you. If you keep this up, I’ll be a sobbing mess getting off this ride.”
“You make me really happy, Astrid.” He kisses me softly. “I’m so glad we moved to Ryemont and I met you.” He presses kisses to my cheeks. “Open your present.”
I pop the lid, and fresh tears well in my eyes as I lift the Claddagh necklace and admire it up close. A delicate purple gemstone is centered in the middle of the silver Celtic design. “It’s an amethyst.”
Alarm flares in his eyes. “That is your birthstone, right?”
“Yes, yes. I’m just amazed all over again at how much thought you put into everything. I have the absolute best boyfriend in the entire world.”
“Better than Xaden?” He hisses the name as he plucks the necklace from my hands.
My mouth hangs open, and then I’m laughing because it’s just too funny.
“Not feeling reassured, babe.” He moves my ponytail aside to put the necklace on me.
I rub tears from my eyes when I finally manage to stop laughing. I claim a seat on his lap and wind my arms around his neck. “You’re better than every real-life and imaginary boyfriend out there.” I press my mouth to his ear. “And I can’t wait for you to prove it to me later.”
I stand in front of the mirror in the hotel bathroom, staring at my reflection, wondering if I’ll look different when I’m no longer a virgin. Like, will people be able to tell from the expression on my face or how I’m walking?
Stop being ridiculous, Astrid.
I swallow over the lump in my throat and tell myself to get a grip.
Callan must think I’ve fallen down the drain by now.
I have showered, shaved, and rubbed rose-scented lotion all over my body.
My teeth are gleaming, my breath is minty fresh, and my face is freshly moisturized.
A delicate flush crawls from my chest to my neck as I stare at myself, and two pink spots bloom like apples on my cheeks.
I’m ready, and I want this with Callan, so why am I cowering in the bathroom?
Today has been the best day of my life, and it’s not over yet.
Time to get over myself and stop procrastinating.
Callan will take care of me, and there’s nothing to be afraid of.
I take one last look at myself in the mirror, smoothing a hand down the blush-pink satin nightdress, wondering if maybe I should’ve worn the red lacy bra and underwear set Gwen bought me last year.
She assumes I’m wearing it, but what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.
I feel pretty and sexy, and I would’ve only felt uncomfortable in the red.
Summoning courage, I tiptoe to the door and draw a brave breath before stepping out into the bedroom.
Soft music plays in the background, instantly helping to relax me.
Callan has dimmed the lights and lit a few candles around the room.
Emotion builds behind my eyes when I spot the rose petals decorating the bed.
“Don’t worry.” He walks toward me in black pajama pants, carrying two glasses of champagne. “I didn’t ruin your bouquet. I ordered extra from the florist.”
“I don’t have words,” I whisper because I am virtually speechless.
“Is this special enough?” He hands me a flute, and I gratefully accept it.
“More than. You have excelled, Callan. Seems you’re an overachiever in all areas, not just soccer.”
“I would do anything for you, Astrid. Anything.” He clinks his glass against mine. “Dara bought this for your birthday before he left. I’ve been hiding it in my wardrobe so Ma wouldn’t find it. Thought it might help to relax you a little.”
“I’m that obvious?” I ask before taking a sip the same time he does. The bubbly liquid glides down my throat and settles in my stomach.
“I was about to call a search party to rescue you from the bathroom,” he jokes.
“I’m nervous.” I gulp back a bit more of my drink.
“Have you changed your mind?” His fingers sweep across my cheek. “It’s absolutely fine if you have.”
I shake my head as he drinks his champagne. “I still want this. Want you. It’s just a little scary.”
His free hand lands on my hip, his fingers making circular motions against the material. “I promise I’ll take good care of you, and if you want to stop, we can.”
“I trust you.”
“Dance with me.” He takes my flute and puts it down on the table alongside his own.
Then he reels me into his arms, and we dance around the room, our bodies pressed together as we stare deep into each other’s eyes.
We dance for several songs, finishing our drinks in between, and my limbs are loose as we sway to the music.
Callan kisses me, and it’s infinitely tender. Our mouths move leisurely as our hands wander. My fingers trace a path up and down his back and over the contours of his biceps while he palms my ass and curves his hands around my hips.
My nipples are hard, prodding his bare chest through my flimsy nightie, and an ache is building between my thighs.
Our kissing grows more insistent, our touches hungrier.
Callan continues kissing me as he slowly backs me up toward the bed.
We fall onto it in a tangle of limbs. Our mouths collide in desperation, and the heat between my legs is an inferno.
When Callan skims his fingers up the backs of my thighs, he ignites a fiery trail of shivers that ripple across my body.
He doesn’t stop kissing me as he repositions us in the center of the bed, with my head on the pillows and his warm, hard body hovering over me. Very carefully, he lowers himself down, careful not to crush me. We both groan when his erection nudges my soft place, and my legs instantly open for him.
My hands are greedy as I clutch him to me, arching my neck as his lips travel lower. He pivots his hips, grinding against my pussy through the thin layers separating us, and a whimper flies from my lips.
Callan watches my reaction as he slowly lowers my straps one at a time.
The peaks of my nipples salute him when he reveals my chest, and a delicious shiver tiptoes over me when his fingers brush the length of my collarbone as he drinks his fill.
“So fucking beautiful,” he says, dipping his head. “And all mine.”
I cry out when his lips wrap around one nipple and he sucks hard.
I love that we don’t have to hold back. Not like all our stolen moments in my bedroom at night when we must be quiet.
Desire shoots a path straight to my core, and my pussy throbs as delicious coils twist in my lower stomach, ratcheting my need higher.
One leg curls around his waist as I grab fistfuls of his hair while he worships my breasts.
I rub against his leg, needing something to alleviate the pulsing ache between my thighs.
“Doing okay?” he asks, lifting his head to check in with me.
“Don’t stop. Please don’t stop.”
Callan peels my nightdress off my body and tosses it aside, his pants joining it a few seconds later. His cock bobs as he climbs back onto the bed, and my mouth waters when he grabs his hard length and gives it a few strokes.
“That is so hot.” I pant, my eyes glued to his hand, watching him pleasure himself.
“Almost as hot as watching you get yourself off last week.”
Of course, I blush, but I’m not ashamed of anything we’ve done together. My cheeks just need to get the memo.
“I need you. I’m ready.” I part my legs wider and dip two fingers into my cunt, coating them with the evidence of my lust. I hold them out, shrieking in surprise when Callan swoops down and scoops them into his mouth.