Page 127 of Someone You Deserve

“I’m kind of surprised that blindfolds are one of your kinks, but I really wanted to do this to you first before you did it to me.”

Astrid laughs as she guides me by the hand. The black fabric covering my eyes is so dark that no sliver of light can peek through. “Well, maybe we can turn the tables later after your surprise.”

“I already had plans to devour you, but this will just heighten the entire experience.”

The squeak of a door tells me we have to be close to our destination, and the longer I can’t see where I’m at, the more anxious I feel.

“I’m gonna hold you to that promise, Penn.”

“You won’t have to. It’s happening.”

Astrid takes in a deep breath and then blows it out as she stands next to me. I’m aware of every noise she makes right now, especially since I’ve lost one of my senses. “Okay. So, we’re here and now that I’m seeing your surprise, I’m not sure how I feel about this anymore.”

Squeezing her hand in mine, I reply, “Baby, I’m sure I’m going to love it.”

“I hope so.” She reaches up and unties the sash from my eyes. Blinking away the fuzziness in my sight, I wait for things to clear up before trying to process what I’m seeing.

Lined out in front of me, in my rental home that is still a work in progress, are several frames of pictures developed in sepia tones. The images look familiar, most are outside around Carrington Cove it looks like, but I can’t quite place them. “You got me pictures?” I ask, turning to find Astrid standing next to me, biting her lip.

“I did.”

“Oh. Well…thank you.” I’m not sure what else to say, but Astrid luckily chimes in.

“When we were talking about your business during our getaway and how you wanted to think about branding and other stuff, I had an idea.” She steps closer to the frames and holds one up in front of me. “Do you recognize this?”

Staring at the image before me, it takes a minute before it clicks. “Is that the Hansen’s deck that I built?”

She nods. “Yup.” Placing the picture back down on the ground, she grabs the next one. “And this?”

“Mr. Hobb’s carport?”

Another nod. “Right again.” My eyes move through the pictures now, recalling each of these projects that I completed with my own two hands, landing on one of Willow’s house that I renovated over the summer, and then the last picture that Astrid holds out in front of me. “But this one is my favorite.”

I reach out and touch the frame of the ramp at the Veteran’s Center that I built with my father all those years ago. “Damn, Astrid.” Memories flood my mind, and the sting of tears comes on, but I hold it together. “What are all of these for, baby?”

“I thought they’d be beautiful artwork to display in your rental houses, Penn,” she says, placing the last frame on the ground before staring back up at me. “Images of all you’ve accomplished before this venture, so you never forget where you came from and where you’re at now.”

Fuck. If I didn’t love this woman already, this would have sealed the deal.

“I—I don’t know what to say.”

“I think guests will love them too.” She stares back at the photos with admiration. “Your sister is quite the photographer, so they showcase her talent too.”

“You had Hazel take these?”

“Obviously. I can’t capture a picture like that. Hell, I still end up with my finger in pictures on my phone sometimes.”

Laughing, I pull her into my chest. “Fuck, I’m in awe.” Nuzzling her neck, I say, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. You deserve a reminder that who you were is part of who you are now, and I will be here supporting you and cheering you on just like you’ve done for me.”

“I love you,” I whisper against her lips.

“I love you more.” Our mouths meet in an intense kiss that makes me feel like I’m living in a fucking dream—because that’s what this is—my dream job, my dream girl, and my dream life.

Over the past three years, I’ve wondered if I’d ever get here or if these feelings and desires were just meant to be ideas that died by my own fear and stubbornness. But Astrid has helped me see that it’s okay to be selfish, it’s courageous to chase what I want out of my life, and the thing I wanted most of all—was her.

“Just let me know when it’s time to decorate because I have some ideas for that too,” she says, smiling up at me.

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