I step aside to let her in. “You’re always welcome here.”
She takes a tentative step forward. “You’re sure? I should have called first, but I thought I’d take a chance and drop by.”
I reach for her overnight bag. “No worries. I’ll get you settled. If you feel like talking, I have some wine or coffee.”
She looks up and into my eyes. “If it’s all right with you, I think I’ll use the quiet time to write. I realize how rude that is given the fact that you’re welcoming me into your home with open arms.”
“It’s not rude at all.”
She nods. “Thank you for giving me a place to lay my head tonight. If I can do anything for you, Berk, just ask.”
I glance over her shoulder toward my front door. “There is something you can do for me.”
A smile glides over her lips. “Name it.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
Astrid
My hands shake as I sit on my couch looking through photographs of my mom and me.
They’ve all been sorted into a photo album by date. My mom did that the day after her cancer diagnosis.
She was determined to put her life in order, and that started with creating a photo diary of our time together.
I turn the page, and my gaze lands on a picture that hits me with a gut punch.
I swallow hard to fight back the emotion I’m feeling.
A customer took the photo three months before my mom died. She was thinner than she’d ever been, but her smile was just as bright as always.
We’re standing together in Vinyl Crush.
Her arms are wrapped around my shoulders. The forearm of her left arm is in full view.
I stare at that and the tattoo my mom had gotten years before the picture was taken.
It’s beautiful and a testament to her dream. It’s a dream that was never fulfilled. She died hoping that I’d get a chance to fulfill it.
I promised her that I’d work toward that goal – her goal.
I jump when the sound of my phone ringing slices through the air.
I’ve spoken to Eloise three times tonight. Once at Berk’s when she called me to tell me to check my social media.
I did that as I waited for Berk in his kitchen.
On my way home, Eloise called again to ask if I wanted to meet up for a drink. I passed on that, so I promised to call her once I was home safe and sound.
When I did that, I told her to go to bed.
She laughed and made me promise to do the same.
I will as soon as I come down from the high of the day.
Dinner with Berk and Stevie was amazing, and the time I spent with them in the music room was magical.
Reading my newest messages on social media was humbling.
This is, without question, one of the very best days of my life.
I scoop my phone into my palm. An uncontrollable smile glides over my lips when I see the name of the person calling.
“Berk,” I answer quickly. “Hi.”
“Hey.” His deep voice flows right through the phone and into me.
I’ll never get used to how incredibly sexy it is.
“You’re awake,” he says.
“Wide awake.” I sigh. “Did you call to get me off?”
I add a laugh to that because I’m teasing, or I think I am.
I’ve never had phone sex, but I think Berk could be a grand champion at that.
“Are you asking me to tell you that I’d love to be buried inside your sweet little pussy right now?”
The phone almost tumbles onto my lap.
I skim a hand over my bare thigh.
I ditched the dress as soon as I got home, so I’m only wearing a black silk bra and matching panties.
“Would you love that?” I whisper.
“Let me in and find out for yourself,” he rasps.
It takes me a second to absorb that and what it means. “Are you here, Berk?”
“I’m on the sidewalk outside of your building.” He lowers his voice. “I’m aching for you. Let me up so I can make you come.”
I toss the photo album onto the cushion next to me and race toward the panel near the door.
I press the button to unlock the main door. “Come up.”
“I’m on my way,” he says. “Get naked.”
With his gaze skimming over my body, he slams my apartment door shut with his elbow. “God, you are beautiful.”
I didn’t lose my lingerie because I wanted to see Berk’s reaction. It was worth it.
“Take off your clothes,” I order with a cock of my hip.
I start to lower myself to my knees, but Berk’s hand reaches for my shoulder. “No. I need to be inside of you.”
I glance at his face. “I can suck you off first, and then…”
“You can suck me off later.” He shrugs off his suit jacket and tosses it on a chair near us.
I reach to help him with his tie. “I will.”