by Laura Burton
He wished she would smile at him.
He’d been so taken aback by her candor that first meeting, that he’d called her rude to her face and it had haunted him the entire afternoon. She treated him like he was a normal guy—well, truthfully, she treated him like he was scum… but it was a delightful change from everyone saying ‘Yes, Mr. Leifsson’ all the time.
No one ever told him ‘no’ to his face.
Brigid had suggested breaking the ice with some gesture as he’d spilled his guts to his sister on the phone. Thankfully, she hadn’t laughed at his erratic thoughts as he continued on and on. He couldn’t stop talking about her, and every time Brigid said something, he interrupted. Jon had always been the quiet, calm one growing up, and he felt quite rattled.
Seeing the auburn tresses blowing about in the wind, Jon sucked in his breath nervously. He’d worn a sweater and bought her one, realizing that his American might not realize how cool the breeze could be on the ocean.
The lopapeysa was a traditional sweater made from wool in the hues of his home. The yoke on the zip up sweater looked like an intricate collar and would keep her warm if she got chilly—plus it would be a pleasant reminder of her trip here.
Jon felt like a fool at wanting to make an impression on the woman, but there was just something about her he couldn’t put his finger on!—and if he did lay a finger on her, she was just as likely to break the digit clean off, he mused, shaking his head nervously.
His stomach rumbled with anxiety as she drew closer to the safari center where he waited, knowing that she would be quite upset with him being here. Maybe he should meet her outside so she could vent and spew all that feisty venom that he adored away from others gathering for the ride. This was the fourth tour today that he’d bought out every seat for - just hoping she would make this round.
“An impromptu date,” Brigid called it.
Stalking, his American would retort in that accented voice.
“Don’t leave without us,” Jon said firmly to the man behind the counter with a nod.
“Certainly, Mr. Leifsson.”
Wincing, Jon took off outside of the building to face the fiercest battle he’d ever encountered. It was bound to be more intense than any hostile takeover or negotiation he’d faced. He was entering the ring with a creature that terrified him and putting it all on the line for the biggest prize ever…
A date.
Penny had designs on buying a stuffed puffin to bring home to put with her other puffin Beanie Babies or a t-shirt as a reminder of her trip. The Puffin Express tours were supposed to be incredible—whisking you away in the fastest boats to the island. It was also the tour that would get you closest to the birds. Her Go-Pro was on a tether around her neck and her iPhone was in a Ziplock baggie in case it got wet on the boat ride, a little trick she’d picked up when she’d ruined her phone years ago.
Drawing to a halt as she walked up the hill to the safari hut that sold the tour tickets to the islands, she stared in disbelief at the man walking towards her. He was stalking her! Penny did an about circle and started to march back down to the car she’d rented in town.
“Wait! Please!” he called out, only causing her to pick up the pace. As she neared the parking lot, she felt his hand grab her arm, jarring her to a halt. She yanked it from and whirled around angrily.
“Not cool, Ikea! Not cool at all!”
Penny felt her chest heaving with frustration at the fact that he’d orchestrated all of this and she’d fallen right into his trap. Was he lurking at the lagoon too and she just hadn’t seen him? Was he a creep taking photos of her in her swimsuit? She was just about to give him a tongue-lashing he would never forget when something in his eyes stopped her.
The earnest expression in those brown orbs drew her to a halt. He stood there, as if he knew just how she would react and was expecting it. She stared at him for several minutes, opening her mouth a few times, and then snapping it shut angrily in silence.
He was so gorgeous, and she was the biggest kind of fool!
“I’m so sorry—and my name is Jon,” he began quietly, looking away and swallowing several times. She saw his throat work as he ran a shaking hand through his hair. Was he really that nervous or was this just an act? She wondered skeptically.
“Why are you following me?”
“I’m trying not to.”
“But you are if we both keep ending up in the same place.”
“I’m trying to say hello and failing miserably at it.”
“Yes, you are.”
She snapped and then sighed heavily at seeing his expression sink perceptibly. Gosh, those brown, puppy-dog eyes did a thing on her! They stood there awkwardly for several moments and she rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest.
“I’m sorry.”
“Jeez,” she huffed, unfurling her arms again. “Don’t keep apologizing, Ikea—just tell me what is going through that head of yours. Spit it out and quit dancing around it… what’s the deal anyway?”
“What’s your name?”
“All of this is because you want to know my name?” Penny stammered, taken aback at the simplicity of his question. This was crazy! People got shot or mugged when they were followed—it undoubtedly wasn’t a normal way to say hello.
“Penelope—well, people call me Penny,” she began, softening her tone at the happiness that appeared in his eyes. “You know that people get arrested, shot, or have a restraining order slapped on them for stalking people in the USA like this. You may do it in Iceland, but it’s downright freaky, Ikea.”
“Jon,” he corrected again.
“Jon,” she amended quietly, holding out her hand. “This is how I am used to saying hello. It’s nice to meet you.”
He took her hand in his and immediately brought it up to his lips, briefly kissing the knuckles in greeting, and watching her. Her stomach did a wild somersault as her brain began a meltdown ten-times worse than any nuclear disaster out there. If she had glowing green goo seeping from the pores on her head, it would not shock her.
Reactor core meltdown in progress!
“It’s a pleasure to meet you finally, Penelope,” he breathed, the warmth of it brushing against her skin and giving her goosebumps. Her heart thumped in her chest wildly as she stared at him, unable to look away. If he could have done that when she first met him…
Shaking her head as if to knock off the effects of a spell, she pulled her hand back from his and shoved it into the pocket of her jeans nervously. She glanced back at him, unsure of what to say or do next. Jon suddenly spoke up, breaking the silence and tension.
“Would you join me for the next tour?”
“That’s what I am here for, right?” she said dryly and then apologized. “That kind of slipped out. I think we got off on the wrong foot, and I’m still a little jittery and freaked out… don’t apologize again, though.”
“I won’t—but will you have dinner with me later?”
“You move quick, don’t you?”
“I see no reason not to go after what I want.”
Penny swallowed nervously, seeing the candid expression in his eyes. He was making no effort to hide the fact that he liked her and was interested. It was a little heady to think there were no mental dating games with this guy. He obviously wasn’t the type to make her wonder what he was after or where she stood, which was the complete opposite from any other guy she dated back home.
Maybe change was a good thing?
Instead of dealing with slimeballs and jerks—perhaps she would see what it was like to talk to someone who thought a little differently? It was kind of flattering to see how he looked at her and she could use a little boost like that. She just hoped she wasn’t dead or disappointed when this was all over with.
“Can we see how the tour goes first?”
“Certainly.”
“I’m not ready to date someone or have a relationship either, you know?” she confessed unapologetically.
�
��Think of me as a tour guide then and just enjoy seeing my world with me?” he replied softly, watching her. Goodness, he knew just what to say to break through the walls surrounding her!
“Let me show you my hometown and my country—all for the benefit of me getting to spend a little time with you,” he enticed.
Penny stared up at him, a blossom of hope unfurling in her chest at the idea that this good-looking guy could be actually genuine in his efforts… or he was the scariest murderer out there and she was his next victim. As if he understood what was running through her mind, he held out his hand to her in a silent invitation, waiting.
“Please don’t be some weird serial killer,” she pleaded quietly, as she laid her hand within his. He gave it a light squeeze as if to say thank you silently.
“I could say the same, you know,” he said with a soft, entreating smile. “Our tour awaits, Penelope. I hope you enjoy your afternoon.”
“Me too,” she muttered under her breath, as they started back up the hill towards the safari office. Within minutes, she found herself seated on a boat and ensconced within a warm wool sweater just for her.
This was some tour, she thought, knowing that the man sitting beside her had something to do with it all. There was no way that every person who booked got a sweater like this nor had a private boat. The other one was being loaded down with six or seven people. Her boat only held three—and one included the guide.
Quietly, she listened as the tour began with a safety lesson and she felt Jon reach for her hand, lacing his fingers with hers as he looked forward to the guide, listening. She hoped he was paying attention quite well because she couldn’t focus just yet as she tried to put all the puzzle pieces together.
As the boat whisked away from the dock, it stunned her to be gazing upon the island inhabitants within minutes. The sweet little puffins were enchanting to visit. She took several photos as the boat pulled to a stop, floating along and bobbing in the water with the current. It surprised her to have Jon offer politely to take several photos of her with the birds and grateful that he didn’t whip out his phone, using it, instead of her own. It was like the creepy-factor was suddenly dialed-down now that he knew he was alarming her with the intensity of it.
He was a perfect gentleman the entire trip—including the ride back, not bringing up the idea of dinner together once. She’d expected him to hound her, mention it again, or simply make comments as to ‘being hungry,’ playing the silly mind games that other guys did. Instead, he said nothing at all, except to ask questions of the guide that prompted a discussion about the birds. As they returned to the boat launch, Jon helped her out politely.
Penny shrugged off the sweater jacket that had kept her warm out on the water in the brisk April weather. Jon put a reassuring hand on her arm and shook his head.
“It’s a gift to remind you of your time here.”
“Are you sure? This isn’t the tour guide’s?”
“No. It was for you—from me.”
Penny glanced up at him in surprise, knowing that he’d had something to do with it, but the fact that he was admitting her suspicions made her feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.
“I hope you like it,” he replied quietly in a reserved voice.
She nodded, unsure what to say or do. This certainly wasn’t a bumper sticker, magnet, key chain, or coffee mug as a souvenir. It was the sort of thoughtful gift that she would buy for herself, if she found it on sale or splurged. She’d seen several of the sweaters in pamphlets or magazines and knew them to be pricey. Did he think he could just buy things and she would fall right into his arms?
She had stronger morals than that! It would never happen… she was done falling for guys that got the wrong idea. She wanted to be with someone that treasured her time, looked out for her, and wanted to be with her. No, she wouldn’t fall right into his arms—she’d fight those big brown eyes, tooth-and-nail!
“Would you like to see the northern lights after dinner tonight?”
Maybe it would be a graceful dive into those arms instead?
Chapter 6
5
Penny hesitated and double-checked her watch nervously. She was in the parking lot of a restaurant called Rain but it was virtually empty. As a foodie, if the parking lot was empty—it was usually a case of food poisoning waiting to happen. Swallowing hard, she glanced up at the doorway only to see a waiter open the door and stand there expectantly.
Okay, so maybe they were just now opening, and that was why it was empty? She mused, getting out of her vehicle. The little car she rented was adorable and got great gas mileage, but she was so ready to upgrade it to a something a little more plush. It was easy to get spoiled, and she missed her navigation screen, relying on her phone and cell coverage.
Walking up to the doorway, she took a deep breath, smelling the sea air behind her. The restaurant was on the coast and she could see the swells crashing off in the distance. Everything around here was wonderful and wild, making her feel like she belonged—except for the lack of Pepsi. Everyone in this corner of the world drank Coca-Cola, and she’d seen nothing like it. It always was water, coffee, Coke, or beer.
“Are you open?” she called out, nervously, feeling anxious about how empty everything was. Where was everyone? Penny had gone back to her room, freshened up, and changed into a dress, only to pull her new sweater on at the last minute due to the cooler temperatures. In the early afternoon it was warm, but the evening hours still got a little chilly and she was used to more temperate climates since she’d just left Florida.
“Velkominn,” the man said brightly, extending his arm and showing she should enter the restaurant. Penny stepped inside and a flurry of scents assailed her senses. Heavy creamy sauces, pungent spices, and heavy yeast scents made her mouth start to water. The dim entryway opened up to a dining room that was completely vacant except for… Jon?
He stood there in a suit, facing a daunting row of windows that overlooked the turbulent ocean before him. All the tables had been whisked away except for one that was set with a white tablecloth. They’d loaded a buffet with dishes that had been set up at some point with burners to keep them warm underneath.
“What is going on?” Penny whispered, confused.
Jon turned and smiled; relief clear on his handsome face.
“I wasn’t sure if you would change your mind,” he admitted, stepping towards her and gesturing towards the table. “If you are cold, we can turn up the temperature. Please relax and enjoy.”
“What is going on,” she repeated, stunned. The entire restaurant was empty except for him. He’d mentioned dinner and seeing the lights, but then again he’d also hinted at a date. Was this his idea of what a date construed?—If so, she was flattered and shocked.
“Where is everyone else?”
“I thought you’d like to talk, watch the ocean, and sample some classic Icelandic foods.”
“Well, yeah… I do,” she hesitated, looking around. “But it’s just us.”
“I’d like this to be special,” he confessed, holding out his hand.
“This is incredible,” she admitted, staring at everything, her eyes touching every single bit of the room. The lights dimmed and the flicker of the burner flames barely put out any light, only creating a soft bluish glow, making the dishes look like they were floating on the racks.
“You are happy?”
“You did all of this for me?” she questioned, stunned.
“I booked the entire restaurant for the evening. No one will interrupt us and we can take our time. We can move the table closer to the windows if you want to watch the water. You might see a whale crest or…”
“Jon,” Penny cut him off, grabbing his hand, and staring at him as if she was looking at him for the first time ever. His surprised face swung around to look at her, and she caught her breath at the moment. Just the way he looked at her; it wasn’t just a glance, but rather a hidden wish that lurked in the depths of his eyes.
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�You did all of this… for me?” she asked again.
“I wanted to impress you,” he revealed in the room's silence.
She couldn’t turn away, nor let go, as she stared up at him. He was standing close to her and she could see his golden eyelashes framing his eyes in a way that seemed to make them glow with intensity. His jaw had a bit of scruff to it and she’d noticed it earlier in the day on the boat, tucking that memory aside to analyze later. His lips… the impish way he smirked, that hidden smile, it set her blood on fire.
“Consider me very impressed,” she whispered, stepping forward. She saw him rear back, almost as if he was shocked at the motion. Okay, maybe girls here weren’t forward enough to make a move to kiss a guy—cause that was just what she’d intended to do in that moment. Instead, she played it off and released his hand immediately.
“Let’s move the table a little closer to the windows,” she intoned awkwardly, quickly moving to drag it to the glass. As they moved it forward, a valet appeared in the room, immediately drawing them both to a stop.
“May I help you, Mr. Leifsson?”
“No, we’ve got it. Thank you,” Jon said immediately, wincing and meeting her eyes. Penny immediately wondered why he had a pained look on his face at being called by his last name. That was what people did normally, didn’t they? Maybe that was an Icelandic custom she’d missed somewhere in her research?
“Is everything all right?”
“Yes. Shall we dine?”
“It’s ‘shall we eat’ in English,” she corrected with a grin. “Your English is perfect though, really. I’m sincerely stunned at how much slang you are picking up.”
“Thank you. I need it for work and practice quite often sometimes.”