“You went way overboard, Gwen, and you really didn’t have to do that,” Astrid says.
She bought both sets of parents and our little sisters gifts, and I don’t get it because Astrid says Gwen is broke, so how the fuck is she affording all of this? There are a lot of things about Gwen Wright that don’t add up, and I really wish Astrid wasn’t so close to her.
Christmas and my birthday come and go in a flash. Dinner and the club in the city were fun, mostly because Astrid and Dara were with me. On New Year’s Eve, Astrid cooked me a top-notch dinner, and we made out like demons on the couch while pretending to watch a cheesy movie.
My girlfriend gave me an engraved watch and a hand-drawn framed painting of Steven Gerrard, my favorite Liverpool playerof all time. Although he played a different position than me, he was known for his tough tackling and grit and determination on the pitch. If I hope to emulate anyone’s career, it’s his. Captain Fantastic is revered for his incredible match-winning moments and impressive titles won across major competitions. His leadership skills were top-notch, and he always handled himself like a pro. He also seems like a decent guy, and there’s no better role model.
When we return to school, the word is out about Ana’s psychiatric stay and that Joe is out of his coma but confined to a wheelchair with no use of his legs. Neither are returning for the rest of senior year, and it’s a relief.
Indoor training continues, and we play a few friendly games against other teams. Astrid has finished her course now, and we have more time to hang out. Gwen and Scott seem to be bickering a lot, and she’s a third wheel way more than I’d like, so I’m excited for this weekend when I have Astrid all to myself.
It’s her birthday this Saturday, and I got permission from her parents to take Astrid to New York for the weekend. I owe Elsa big time because she had to work on Astrid’s dad to get him to agree. Luckily, there’s an in-service day on Friday, meaning we don’t have school, and we can hit the road early, because I want to make the most of the trip.
I sold my truck to one of the guys on the team and bought a cheaper SUV, using the spare cash to pay for a gift and the trip because it’s crazy expensive, but it’s worth it to create a special memory with my girl. We’re staying at a Manhattan hotel on Friday and Saturday night and planning to visit some of the main tourist attractions. As a surprise, we’re going on The Dream Wheel in New Jersey on Saturday afternoon, and I’ve booked this trendy Italian restaurant that’s getting rave reviews for dinner later. I’m lucky I got a booking because it’s Valentine’s weekend and the city will be buzzing.
The school week seems to snail by, but finally it’s Friday and we’re on our way. The first day is mad as we attempt to cram lots in. I’m loving seeing The Big Apple for the first time. Astrid has been here before, which is a great help because it’s a crazy city to navigate.
“Happy birthday, beautiful,” I say the following morning, waking Astrid up with a succession of kisses on her face.
A glorious smile spreads across her mouth before her eyes even open. “Thanks, babe.” She reaches up and feathers her lips against mine. “I love going to sleep and waking up next to you.”
“Same. Wish we could do it all the time.”
She flings back the covers. “I need to pee. Be right back.”
My gaze rakes over her flimsy gold silk nightie as she pads around the bed, heading toward the en suite bathroom. It took colossal effort to keep my hands off her last night, sticking to chaste kisses and hugs because I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold back if we took it further. Both of us are excited for tonight, and I still can’t believe she’s giving me this honor. I’m pulling out all the stops to make it a night she’ll always remember.
While Astrid is in the bathroom, I pull on my trackie bottoms before setting the breakfast that was just delivered out on the small table in front of the window. Stealing a rose from the bouquet I have hidden in the wardrobe, I place it beside her plate as I wait for her to come back.
Outside, the city is a hive of activity, the pavements already teeming with awestruck tourists and harried pedestrians in a rush to get somewhere. Traffic is at a standstill, and horns blare as bike couriers weave in and out of cars like slithering snakes. Fluffy clouds glide high in the blue sky, but the morning dawnsbright and dry, and I’m praying it stays like that. The weather forecast didn’t predict rain, and I’m crossing everything they got it right.
“This is amazing,” Astrid grins as she walks toward me. “And you’re the best boyfriend ever.” She flings her arms around me and plants a passionate kiss on my lips.
My hands gravitate to her arse on autopilot, and my dick stirs to life as the front of her nightdress hangs low, exposing the soft swells of her tits. Fucking hell. She’s going to kill me. Reluctantly, I break the kiss and hold her perfect, perfect face in my hands. This is how I prefer Astrid. Natural and with no makeup. She’s stunning, and she needs no adornments. “You’re so beautiful.” Another three words are on the tip of my tongue, but I’m waiting until later to say them.
“I could say the same to you.” She peppers kisses along my stubbly jawline, making it difficult to be good. “You blow me away, Callan. You are gorgeous inside and out.”
This girl does wonders for my ego. “Keep this up, and we won’t be leaving this room today.”
A rosy blush blooms on her cheeks, and the words almost spill from my lips again. “I wouldn’t complain.”
I swat her arse. “Don’t tempt me. I’ve got lots of plans for today, and you won’t want to miss them. I promise.”
“You’re so good to me. This is already the trip of a lifetime,” she says, getting up and moving to the seat across from me.
“I exist only to make you happy.”
She laughs, and it’s the most perfect sound in the world. I could watch her and listen to her all day long and never get bored. She has me completely enchanted, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Eat before it gets cold,” I say, lifting the lid off her plate as she sniffs the rose.
She watches me curiously as I stalk into the bathroom, returning with her silk dressing gown. “Put that on. I only have so much self-control when your nipples are practically waving and saying hello.”
Her blush deepens as she giggles while putting the dressing gown on, and we tuck into the delicious food.
I take a shower while she phones her family, only removing the flowers and chocolates from their hiding place when it’s her turn to shower.
“Come here, baby,” I say when she emerges from the bathroom dressed in jeans, boots, and a jumper. Her hair is pulled up in a high ponytail, and her flawless face is glowing, the same glorious smile playing on her lips.
