I pull the flap over the opening of my bag and heft the strap over my head to rest on my shoulder. It settles comfortably on my hip. It’s pretty heavy and I bet I’ll burn some of the calories I drink just by carrying this.
There is a knock on the front door, and Ari comes out of his room to answer it.
“It’s probably Gunnar and Helgi,” he informs us. “They’re going to walk down with us.” He grabs and twists the knob on the door to reveal that he was, in fact, correct about our guests.
Gunnar is so tall that he mostly hides Helgi behind him, and he strides into the house with a confident ease. Helgi follows him inside.
Gunnar is looking very sharp, I must admit. He’s wearing a black suit jacket (which seems to be the popular fashion trend here in Iceland) with a matching simple black V-neck t-shirt. Adding a pair of dark washed denim jeans, topped with a classy pair of black shoes, has him looking great. His black hair has been tamed and isn’t so messy and carefree. He finally isn’t wearing those goddamned aviators, too.
Wow, Gunnar’s got it going on! Finally seeing those absolutely gorgeous eyes, I’m very happy to see they are blue, swirled with shades of yellow/gold. The shapes of his eyes are absolutely stunning. They are kind of almond shaped, with the outer corners pinched. His lashes are only enhancing this gorgeous effect. Eyes rimmed with a ring of thick black lashes make it clear that he’s been gifted with the ability to make all women jealous.
The mix of color in his eyes makes me realize he has a small collection of freckles covering his nose and cheeks that I hadn’t noticed before. His skin has this olive tone to it that gives the impression that he has a tan, even though he technically doesn’t. His neatly trimmed mustache and goatee make his already white teeth stand out with his smile. He even has a little dimple in his chin. What a stunner.
I’m impressed. Gunnar is exceptionally good looking. Rocking a tall stature of around 6’3, that of a bona fide Viking. With looks like his, now I’m a bit curious about him myself.
Realizing that I’m very blatantly and obviously checking him out in front of everyone, I clear my throat. I send a broad smile to Gunnar and also a little wink. A slow grin spreads across his face in return. His eyes sparkle with good humor. God, those eyes!
I think I’ve decided who I will be sharing my attention and affection with this evening.
******
We have all began the walk down the hill to the bar. I haven’t been on this street yet. It’s one that wraps around the edge of the housing in town. To my left, are the houses, which are quaint and each unique in their designs. To my right, is nature.
A stream is flowing beautifully alongside the road and is surrounded by gorgeous purple flowers. Lupina, Helgi mentions at one point. There’s a beautiful wooden bridge covering the stream in one place with a trail that leads and disappears into the trees beyond.
I speed up to try to catch up with Gunnar so I can walk next to him. Having short legs is definitely putting me at a disadvantage while walking next to all of these tall men.
“Do you see all of those little trees out in that area over there?” Gunnar points over to the area beyond the bridge when I finally fall into step beside him.
“Yeah, what about it?” I ask, looking toward where he is pointing.
“My family planted a bunch of trees out there and they’re starting to grow. It’s so great to come back to Tálknafjörður from time to time and see how big they’re getting.” He certainly does look proud. I don’t blame him.
“That’s really great thing for your family to do.”
I pull a beer out of my bag for myself and toss one to Lára, too. I glance over at Ari who is walking beside her. I raise an eyebrow at him and hold up a can in question. He nods and catches the beer as I throw it to him.
The walk only lasts maybe five minutes when we arrive at the bar. It’s not huge and doesn’t fit with my normal idea of what a bar looks like. It’s more like a restaurant that serves alcohol in the evening too. There is a countertop to the right wall, where the booze is served, and all the bills are taken care of.
To the left are tables and chairs placed for seating and eating, with a middle area cleared for dancing. There is a sound system set up near the cleared space, a microphone on a stand, and various music equipment that I’ve never seen before are ready to be connected. By the looks of it, there will be a band performing.
One thing I really like about this place is that there are so many windows. There is a wrap around area that reminds me of a porch that has a ton of them. So much light is pouring into the building, since the sun is once again just hovering over the horizon. I don’t think I will ever get used to that.
I look around quickly to find Lára. Our eyes meet and she nods her head in the direction of the porch-type room. It’s full of chairs and tables, and I’m assuming this is where people who don’t want to be in the mix of the dancing and performing will sit.
I pick a table at random, pull the strap of my bag from over my shoulder, and rest it on the tabletop. I settle into the chair to my left by a window and let out a deep breath.
Being here is a little overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Sometimes I just want to fade in the background and observe, while other times I want to mingle and fit in. Everyone has been really friendly, and for that, I am so grateful.
Lára sits down at the table across from me, and sips on her beer. Gazing around the place, she nods to a few people she recognizes. I don’t see Ari, Gunnar, or Helgi at the moment, but that’s fine. It gives me a little time to chat with Lára.
“What do you think about Gunnar?” I ask her conspiratorially, grinning.
“Ah, Gunnar. He’s a great guy. He’s funny and he’s a musician. He’ll be playing tonight, actually. Are you attracted to him?” She leans in toward me, as if we are sharing secrets.
“I think he is very attractive, yes. Maybe I’ll try and get to know him better.” I shrug; I don’t really know what I want right now. Lára looks at me pointedly for a moment, beer suspended in her hand on its way to her mouth.
“I know about you and Ari, you know.”
Her sudden remark causes me to jerk in shock. My eyes fly to her.
“I know you and him had a lot of feelings for each other. I’m sorry you two couldn’t work out.” Her face is expressionless, and the vibe I’m getting from her now isn’t as friendly as it was a few moments ago.
“Well, some things just aren’t meant to be.” I’m grasping at anything to say that doesn’t make me sound suspicious. Anything that won’t clue her in to the fact that her boyfriend was grinding his cock all over my pussy last night. I grab my beer and chug to avoid having to say any more.
“Yes, that’s right. Some things just aren’t meant to be.” Her point is clear to me now. She is making sure I understand that Ari is off limits…at least if the tone of her voice says anything. I’m swamped with guilt but somehow I keep my face smooth and free of emotion. Nodding at her as though I agree, I lift my beer for a toast.
“Here’s to finding what is meant to be.” Our beers clang together with the sound of aluminum full of liquid, beer sloshing over the sides and bubbling out of the top. Cheers indeed.
******
MSN Chat
June, 2007
salemsme: Hey.
marxist: Hi, how are you?
salemsme: I’m ok. Are you busy? Can I chat with you a bit?
marxist: Always.
salemsme: Tommy and I broke up. It’s all over. On one hand, I’m so relieved because I’m completely wiped. On the other hand, I can’t stay here anymore. I have to get out of this house. Living with him is only making everything worse, and sooner or later I’m going to have to call the cops.
marxist: That motherfucker. He’s so goddamned lucky that I live way over here. Well, what are your options?
salemsme: Well, I’ve purchased a ticket to go to Iceland….
marxist: No way! When will you be coming?
&
nbsp; salemsme: I’ll be there in 17 days. Emilia offered me a place to stay. She knows a bit about what’s going on with Tommy. I think now is the perfect time to go and get away from everything.
marxist: Ah. No way.
salemsme: No way?! What does that mean?
marxist: Well, you know that Lára and I are dating, right? Nothing can happen between you and me.
salemsme: I know that, Ari. I know. I can’t just wait to go to Iceland until you decide one day to break up with her. I’m not asking for anything from you like that. Just be to me what you can be, whatever it is. Even if that means you are just being my friend. Can you do that?
marxist: I’ll do my very best.
Present Day
I’ve guzzled down four beers and have quite a collection of guys sitting around my table. It’s pretty amusing, especially after all these beers. I guess the wolves have scented the new meat! Oh yeah, I’m the new meat. Whatever that means. Sounds like it could lead to something kinky.
I’ve been enjoying the flirting and fun banter I’ve had with these guys, and they’ve kept me from becoming thirsty. Three out of these four beer cans didn’t come out of my own private supply. That’s a nice bonus.
Now, remembering all of their names is something I don’t think I can do. I’ve been lucky to recall the names I’ve learned before tonight, so I’m not going to stress too much about it right now. Plus, the music playing is a bit loud, and I’m not completely sure that I fully heard what their names were to begin with.
Standing up and excusing myself to Lára and the guys, I head toward the bathroom. Along the way I come upon Gunnar, who is setting up some of the equipment that I had seen earlier when we arrived.
Now’s my chance to do some flirting. Gunnar is unaware that I have spotted him, and I brush up against him to catch his attention. I step onto my tiptoes and slide my arm to rest my hand lightly on the back of his neck as I lean toward his ear.
“Wanna dance?” I say into his ear. He grins at me, slightly apologetic.
“I’m not so sure that’s a great idea.” He gives me a face full of regret and pulls back from me to attend to his music contraption some more. I just blink at him and stand there in shock. He laughs at bit when he sees my expression.
“It’s not that I don’t think you’re beautiful, because you are. Don’t take any offense to what I said. I just know Ari.” I wrinkle my brow distastefully at his response.
“If you say so,” I saw wryly. I’m not very impressed. Obviously flirting with Gunnar is a no-go, so I shrug and smile at him, and then look for the direction of the bathroom again.
I’m stopped suddenly when my eyes collide with a pair of bright blue eyes. Eyes that cause my heart to pitter patter in an irregular rhythm. Ari. My whole body comes to a halt and I just stare back.
A few seconds pass before I realize that he’s frowning at me, and occasionally looking over my shoulder to where Gunnar is. I realize that he is assuming that something is going on between Gunnar and I. Good. Let him wallow in the misery it causes. I laugh a little at myself.
I’m brought out of my internal laughter when a hand grabs my upper arm and yanks me forward, pulling me at a very quick pace toward the door. It takes me a few seconds to realize that Ari is the one pulling me. We head out the front door and around the side to the back of the building where there aren’t any windows.
Chapter 7
Ari pushes me up against the wall pretty forcefully and I hit it with a thud. I’m not overly amused. I am not a fan of being man-handled, especially when I haven’t done anything to warrant or deserve it. I get in his face and lift my hand to jab him in the chest with my index finger.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing, pushing and pulling me around like that? Never in a million years would I imagine you treating me this way. Explain. Now.” I stomp my foot for added emphasis that I mean business.
“Stay away from Gunnar. He can’t have you.” He growls at me, practically snarling. I didn’t realize how angry he was until now. I think sparks would be flying out of his eyes if it were possible. His eyes look up and down my body, and I can almost feel his gaze as though it were his fingers. A familiar tingle begins down below, and I struggle to stay strong against it.
“You have absolutely no say in who can or cannot have me. I am a single woman who can and will do whatever the fuck I want to. You, however, are not single. This means you have zero say about what happens regarding my love life. So, piss off!” That’ll tell him.
My blood is starting to heat up as adrenaline begins to flow through me. My breathing is getting heavier and turning into panting. I’m locked and loaded, ready for a fight. Or a fuck.
Ari seems to be in the same state as I am in. He seems completely livid. He’s hotter than hell and dripping sex. Glancing down, I see he is hard and pressing against the zipper of his jeans. He comes toward me and backs me into the wall while his eyes bore intensely into mine.
“Maybe you’re right and I don’t get a say, but I can’t stand the thought of one of my friends, or anyone, touching you. They don’t deserve it. I’ve waited too long.” He brings his face next to mine, his lips close to my ear.
“Only my hands get to touch you.” His gruff whisper is accompanied by one of his hands as it runs down my ribs and waist. “Only my mouth gets to kiss you.” His teeth grab my earlobe, pulling lightly before letting go. “Only my cock gets to fuck you. Got it? You’re mine, Brooke.” He accentuates his last statement by rubbing his cheek against mine, and his cock against my hip. A shiver runs down my spine. I like the sound of that. Don’t tell anyone.
My entire body is trembling and I can’t say a single thing. My mouth is dry and I am completely under his spell. His hands are on me and I can’t form proper thoughts. Waves of desire wash through me, leaving my clit to throb in tempo with my racing heart. Raising my hand to pull him closer, I begin rubbing my body against his like a cat in heat.
I can feel Ari’s heart beating against my chest, and his lips are dragging up and down my neck, not quite kissing me.
My brain comes out of its desire drugged state long enough for me to realize what’s happening. Putting my hands against his chest, I push him back.
“Ari, just stop. You can’t say things like that to me. It’s not fair to me, Lára, or to you. Look at us; we can barely control ourselves around each other. When my vacation is over, I’m leaving. Lára will still be here, though, and you’ll be left with whatever mess you’ve made if you keep acting like this.” It pains me to be the voice of reason. I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I left so much ruin in the wake of my departure.
With a sad smile, I turn to head back inside the bar. Ari grabs my shoulder unexpectedly and spins me around to face him again. Before I can blink, his lips are on mine. They are hot, insistent, and so fucking good. I moan softly; this is exactly where I belong. His hand wraps around the base of my neck to hold me in place.
When it comes down to it, I can’t resist Ari. Not really. You can’t deny the truth, no matter how hard you try. I allow myself to give in briefly to the kiss and savor the feeling of his lips against mine.
With my arms wrapped around his neck to draw him closer, I open my mouth to allow him inside. My head is swimming with a mixture of dizziness and desire, and I need to hold on to him to keep from turning into a puddle on the ground. There’s something else mixed in this kiss, and I’m not quite ready to admit that to anyone, not even myself.
The feeling that we are in our own bubble comes over me and our kiss feels as though it’s happening in slow motion. His tongue licks at my lower lip before sneaking inside to caress mine. I can taste beer and his own special flavor. He’s so goddamned delicious.
I get lost in the kiss and have no idea how long it lasts. His mouth lays claim to mine in a repeated attack on my lips and tongue, nibbling and sucking along the way. I’m overwhelmed, to say the least, and full of confusion.
I can feel tears filling my eyes, a
nd a swell of emotion overcomes me. A single salty drop trickles down my cheek to mingle with our lips. I know he can taste my tear, and he pulls back slightly to gaze down at me. His thumb comes forward to brush against my swollen lower lip.
“You have no right to do this to me.” I sniffle a little at him. “You can’t just kiss me like this, and then go back to your girlfriend. You need to figure your shit out. I can’t play this back and forth game with you anymore, Ari. It’s her or me. You can’t have both. Make your choice.” I pull out of his embrace and wipe my face with the back of my hand to clear any traces of tears. I’ll have to head to the bathroom to fix my makeup now.
I give Ari one last glance and press my fingertips to my lips. I’ll never forget this kiss. I’ve been waiting for it for far too long. It was everything I dreamed of, minus the whole stupid fucking girlfriend bullshit. I grab a tight hold on my anger and use that to help me walk away from Ari. He looks like he’s just lost something he wanted more than anything.
After freshening up in the bathroom, I head back to the table and sit down. My good spirits are severely lacking, although I’m determined to continue to enjoy this evening. I’ll just put Ari out of my mind the best I can. Lára is still in her seat, chatting with another woman who sounds like she is from New Zealand. Lára extends her hand to me to include me in the conversation.
“Sophie, this is Brooke. Brooke, meet Sophie.” I shake hands with Sophie, plastering a friendly smile on my face. She has long, almost whitish-blonde hair. I can’t tell how long her it is due to it being in a fishtail braid. Her bangs are long and partially in her mossy green eyes. Along with her dimples, full lower lip, and a sweet, heart shaped face, she’s really beautiful.
“Nice to meet you,” I say with a nod in her direction. I’m not really in any mood to meet people. In all honesty, I just want to head back to the house and go to sleep. Instead, I grab another beer.
Across the Ocean Page 10