Nordic Lessons

by Christine Edwards

  “Drop it, Lisetta.”

  She pushes out a puff of breath from her glossy lips. “Always so cautious, Mikkel.”

  “Please, everyone, take a glass. Bern, I had Erik pour you an Aquavit as well.”

  “Takk, Silje.”

  Mikkel hands both Lisetta and me the full, slim flutes just before Nils raises his glass to proclaim in a clear voice, “Skål, to family!”

  “Skål!” We all toast back before settling in to enjoy the fine champagne and plentiful canapés served by Erik. While everyone is engaged in conversation, I look around and determine that the massive apartment is incredibly luxurious. Floor to ceiling silk curtains are pulled back, offering a sweeping view of the city. A high, coffered ceiling—painted in a tasteful blend of ivory and deep-mocha—lends warmth to the open space. Not that it matters, but I never imagined Mikkel’s family would be so affluent. My own parents were upper class, but not to this extent. It’s comforting to know that they come across as genuine and kindhearted, with an open respect for their son, despite his very different lifestyle.

  Sitting beside her husband, Silje says, “My son tells me that you’re an artist, Elora?”

  “Yes. A painter.”

  “How lovely. What do you paint?”

  “Mostly large scale abstracts.”

  Mikkel adds, “Her paintings were just accepted by a gallery in the City Centre.”

  “That’s wonderful, Elora. And how long do you plan to stay in Oslo?”

  “Well, indefinitely, for now. My older brother, Alexander works here for Barclay’s Bank. He’s the reason I’m here. It was too hard being apart. He lives quite close by, actually. His flat is only two blocks away. He’s been away in Asia recently.”

  “How nice, and will he return home for the upcoming holidays?”

  “Oh yes. He messaged me just a few days ago saying that he may be home early, quite possibly this week.”

  “And what about your parents? It must be difficult to have both their children living in a different country.”

  I tighten up, dreading having to answer her, but then Mikkel cuts in, “They’re deceased.”

  His poor mother blanches but quickly recovers. “Oh, oh, I am so very sorry. I had no idea.”

  “No really, it’s fine,” I say. “You had no way of knowing.” I take a generous sip of my bubbly and wait for the awkward moment to pass. Mikkel surprises me by pulling me closer and placing a soft kiss on my right temple. Both his parents watch in smiling approval.

  His father addresses Bern, “So, Mikkel is having you put in the added hours I hear?”

  “Yeah, ever since Alreck headed to the states this past spring it’s been balls to the wall … er, sorry, unbelievably busy. But I’m not complaining. We’re happy to have the backlog of work.”

  “That is good to hear. I really should stop by sometime.”

  Beside me I sense Mikkel tensing up and wonder where this is leading.

  Bern adds, “You really should drop in, come to think of it. We haven’t ever seen you at the garage. Guess you’re just really busy with shit, I mean, work at the hospital, right?”

  I watch as Mikkel downs his drink in one swig.

  Silje interjects, “Yes, Nils, you should find time to see some of Mikkel’s designs. I think that is a fine idea.”

  Looking uncomfortable at the change of topic, Nils sets his drink down. “Yes, I suppose I will one day.” He stands and says, “I believe that Erik has dinner ready for us.”

  What the hell? I’m beginning to think that Nils might be less than pleased by Mikkel’s chosen profession. Did he have plans for Mikkel to become a physician as well? Has he never seen his work? Does he just politely ignore the fact that his son is a talented motorcycle designer and biker to the core? How bizarre.

  “Thank you again for joining us, Elora. It was such a pleasure meeting you.”

  I lean in as Silje reaches out for a friendly embrace. “Thank you both for having me to your home. Everything was delicious. I believe that I’ll have to run an additional mile tomorrow after your rich trifle, Silje!”

  Nils gently shakes my hand. “You are welcome in our home anytime, Elora.”

  “Thank you.”

  I give one last over the shoulder wave as we step onto the elevator. Mikkel takes my hand. Bern and Lisetta left nearly a half hour ago because both of them have to work early in the morning.

  “Well?” His mysterious eyes watch me as he tugs me into him, wide hands spanning my waist.

  “I had a wonderful time. I’m really glad that you introduced us.”

  “Good. You sure you can’t stay with me tonight?”

  “Tempting, mmmm … so tempting, but I’ve been away since Saturday and my mobile died, remember?”

  “Yeah, know that babe, and …?”

  “Well, I left the charger at Alexander’s. He has most likely tried to contact me. I don’t want him to worry, which he inevitably does if he can’t reach me. Besides,” I smile and go up on tiptoes to whisper against his full lips, “It’ll give us a chance to miss each other, my sexy Viking.”

  “Sexy Viking, eh?”

  “Oh yeah,” I purr in a naughty girl voice, “without a doubt.”

  When we reach the lobby he takes my hand and leads me out into the frigid night air.

  “Let’s just grab your gear and walk the two blocks. It’ll take forever to find a parking spot.”

  “That works.” I huddle in closer to him as we walk briskly down the sidewalk. “God, the temp really has plummeted, hasn’t it? Maybe it’s too bloody cold to snow!”

  His lips twitch, making him even more handsome. “You haven’t seen anything yet, woman. They’re calling for a big snowstorm. It’s supposed to hit in the next forty-eight hours. Then you’ll see fucking cold.”

  “Rest assured, I’ll be living in the fabulous new parka you bought me.”

  We stop at the sleek black SUV and he cages me in against the side door. His head drops, lips inches from mine, and he rumbles, “Glad you like it. Would like to see you in only that and a white thong laid out in front of my fireplace. Mmmm … yeah.”

  My heart begins to gallop inside my chest. “You know, Mikkel, you’re a very wicked man.” I playfully run my index finger down his tight, midnight blue shirt.

  “Am I then?”

  Nearly breathless with desire for him to take my mouth, I stumble over the words, “Y-yes, definitely.”

  He cups the back of my neck firmly enough to make my lips part before he says in a strained, thick voice, “Come home with me then, and we’ll test that theory, min skjønne. I’ll give you a personal introduction to the meaning of wicked.”

  Scorching heat pulses deep within my sex. The need for him is so potent that I can barely think straight as his lips press firmly into mine and his skilled tongue demands entry. I cling to him as he works my mouth, giving me an unabashed taste of the pleasure he can offer if I relent and go with him. Over and over he glides his slick tongue against mine. The sensation is so heady and perfect that I suddenly realize I never want any lips but his on mine again. He’s the one, the only one ….

  All too soon he gives a low groan and pulls back to stare at me.

  “Mikkel,” I whisper up at him, wanting desperately to express how strong my feelings have grown.

  He cuts me off, “Shhh … at the end of my rope here, baby. I’ve been hard as a fucking brick all night long. I’m about to throw you in the truck and take you back to my place regardless of what you want.” He presses his forehead against mine and takes a calming breath. “You sure you won’t come with me?”

  I place a feather light kiss on his glossy, wet lips. “I want nothing more, but I haven’t gotten any painting done, I’m so behind and more importantly, I have to see if Alexander has been trying to reach me. Unfortunately, it’s back to reality for this girl tonight.”

  “All right, babe. I’ll grab your gear.”

  Reluctantly and with a very displeased look on his face, h
e pushes away from me and opens the rear door to grab my bag.

  We cover the short distance to my brother’s building in comfortable silence. Anders is at the front desk on the phone, looking down at something. As we step onto the elevator I hear him call out, “Oh, Miss Thornthwaite … please wait!” But the doors have already slid shut before I can answer him.

  With a furrowed brow, Mikkel looks down at me, “Want to go back down?”

  “No, it’s all right. Let’s get this heavy bag inside. I’ll come back down with you on your way out.”

  He embraces me with one long arm draped over my shoulder. As the doors open he tells me, “Alreck and Vail will be coming to town in a few days. Was thinking about booking a reservation at a nice restaurant for the six of us. Lisetta can’t wait, and Bern had just begun to get close to Alreck when he left the country.”

  We’ve just reached the door to the flat and I begin to say, “I’d really ….”

  The words die on my lips as the apartment door is thrown wide open and Alexander steps out, enraged. “Elora, where in the bloody hell have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you for over twenty-four hours now!”

  Two things occur at once. Mikkel drops my overstuffed Prada bag to the floor and sweeps his forearm out and around my waist, drawing me back behind him, away from my brother’s wrath. Alexander’s eyes widen as he takes in Mikkel from head to toe and breathes out, clear disdain lancing through his crisp accent, “What the hell?” He tries to lean around to make eye contact with me, but Mikkel shifts, making it impossible.

  In a near hiss Alexander tells him, “Release my sister.”

  Silence.

  I peer around Mikkel. “Alexander, calm down. We’re together. This is my boyfriend, Mikkel.”

  My brother looks as if he is about to pop a vain in his temple as he rages, “The hell you say! You get inside this instant, Elora.”

  Mikkel’s low, calm voice floats down to me, “Back up and tag the elevator button, Elora.”

  I’m frozen in place. I’m only delaying the inevitable. As much as I want to go back to the tranquility of Mikkel’s home, I know I have to clear things up with my brother.

  “Alexander, please go inside. I’ll be there in a moment. This is obviously a misunderstanding.”

  Mikkel locks up, not liking it in the least that I’ve balked at his command.

  I step out to the side of Mikkel, and Alexander’s blue eyes dart between us. He’s clearly furious as he shakes his head back and forth and grumbles, “You have five minutes,” before turning and slamming the door shut behind him.

  I look up and begin, “Mikkel ….”

  “Stop right there, Elora. You do not defy me, ever.” His eyes are hard and flinty.

  I step back and breathe out, “What?”

  “That guy is off the chain fuckin’ pissed and I don’t want you within ten feet of him. You’re coming with me until he calms the fuck down. Consider yourself warned, baby, major punishment earned.”

  “Mikkel, I can’t come with you tonight. He’s my brother and he’s only upset because he loves me. Think about it … if you had a sister and she showed up with an intimidating looking person, well, wouldn’t you be alarmed as well?”

  His lips tighten, but he knows I’m spot on.

  I continue, “Let me set things right with him, and we’ll go forward with our plans two nights from now.”

  He cups my cheeks like fine porcelain, “I heard what you said at dinner about finding your own place. Screw that. I want you to come live with me, Elora. I want you to paint and be happy with me, baby. I can’t get enough of you and I can only fucking hope you feel the same way.” He shakes his head once before adding, “Shit, I didn’t want to have this conversation in a damn hallway, but there you have it.”

  “Mikkel, I love you, I really do. Let me get my head wrapped around dealing with my brother before we go there. I’m overwhelmed right now, and having my only family member furious with me only adds to the mountain of stress. Let’s talk about this further on Wednesday night, all right? Please, I need time to process all this.”

  “You sure you can calm him the fuck down?”

  I touch his cheek, “Without a doubt. Don’t worry about me, my sexy Viking. Now promise you’ll drive safely?”

  “You know it.”

  I rise up on tiptoes, place a kiss on his warm lips and whisper, “Tusen takk for a perfect weekend. I’ll always remember the beauty of Svalbard. I’m glad I saw it with you.”

  His wary eyes soften. “All right, Elora, but you call me if he gets worked up again or if you’re scared. I don’t care if it’s four in the damn morning, I’ll come for you, understand?”

  “I appreciate the offer, and of course I’ll let you know, but you needn’t worry, truly.”

  “I’ll call you tomorrow from the shop.”

  “All right, Mikkel.”

  He leans in and purrs, “God natt og drøm søtt min skjønne.” Good night, sweet dreams, my beauty.”

  Oh hell, how does he know the exact way to push my ignite button?

  “Mmmm, you know I love that.”

  “Yes, yes I do.”

  Without another word I watch him turn, punch the button and step into the waiting elevator.

  Time to face the music …. Shit!

  I suck in a deep breath, hoping beyond hope that Alexander has calmed down. I never wanted them to meet like this. What a total disaster!

  The second I set foot inside I see that he’s not calmed down in the least. He’s in a wide stance in the center of the living area with his dress shirt sleeves rolled up and arms crossed defiantly across his chest.

  Before I can get a word out, he seethes, “Are you completely mad?”

  I drop my bag on the stone floor and walk over to him, my anger at his irrational behavior swiftly mounting. “What makes you say that? How about, ‘Nice to see you Elora?’ or ‘How are you getting on in Oslo, Elora?’ ”

  “What bloody hole did you find that savage in? Or should I say, where did he find you?” He shakes his head back and forth, clearly disgusted, and continues, “You know, I gave you the benefit of the doubt, but even as a grown woman I can see that you are clearly incapable of making rational choices in men. And for God’s sake Elora, this one is the pinnacle of barbaric! What in the hell do you see in that, that … character. That, biker person?”

  Blinding rage surges through me like a lightning strike. I do my best to get a handle on it before replying in a chilled tone, “You have no idea what you’re talking about. You only see things at surface level, Alexander, you always have.” I throw my arm out. “Lifestyle, money, cars, perception, that’s all that matters to you, isn’t it?”

  “Stop right there, Elora. That’s uncalled for and you know it. The fact that you’re trying painfully to deny is that, that person is simply not suitable. I absolutely forbid you to see him ever again. Do you understand?”

  His cruel words explode in my ears as I lean in to hiss, “Not suitable?”

  “You heard me.”

  “You’re the one who’s mad. You know nothing about him or his family. I guarantee you would eat your words if you did, Alexander.”

  “I could care less, but I’ll tell you right now that if you ever see that heathen again I’ll toss you out. I simply won’t stand for it, Elora. Christ, mother and father—”

  “No, Alexander! Don’t you dare bring them into this, don’t you dare! All they ever wanted was for us to be happy. I won’t let you poison that fact with your pompous attitude. In fact, you know what, I’ve had enough tonight, I’m going to bed because I can see that this awful conversation is going nowhere fast.”

  I move swiftly, grabbing my bag and carrying it to my room. I avoid eye contact as I hurry past him.

  “Fine, you want to shut me out, go ahead, but it doesn’t change a thing.”

  I slam the bedroom door, drop the bag and wrap my arms around my stomach as the hot tears let loose, streaming endlessly down my fac
e. Mama would understand. She would welcome my happiness. Why can’t she be here?

  Chapter Twelve

  Lisetta

  “Does the robe fit all right, Elora? You know they say one size fits all, but I think it’s crazy how huge they are!” I watch as she finishes tying off the long white belt loop. Lifting her length of red hair out from under the collar, she looks up with a smile.

  “No, it’s fine, Lisetta. I’m so glad you texted me this morning. This place is just what I needed. It really is amazing. How long have you worked here?”

  “About four years,” I say. “I was the receptionist for three years before I was promoted to manager. I like working here—really terrific clients and the owners are easygoing. They carry a lot of the same products I normally use as well, so the discount helps out. Follow me.”

  We step out of the intimate changing room into a larger space that we use as our client’s relaxation area. The theme is a Zen garden of tranquility and the sounds of the numerous gurgling fountains surround us in the low-lit space while we await our massages. It’s early, and we’re booked in as the first two clients of the day. When I came in this morning, we realized there had been a schedule mix-up, that it was my day off. Rather than go home, I rang Elora to see if she wanted to swing by. I’m glad she took me up on the offer. It’s nice to have the ethereal space to ourselves.

  “Choose whichever lounge chair you’d like, Elora.”

  She goes with one that’s at the far end of the zero edge mini pool that runs the length of the shadowed room. I stretch out in an identical one right beside her. She looks over and grins at me. “You know, I’m really beginning to see the major perks of making new friends in Oslo,” she says. “You are really to kind to invite me, Lisetta, seriously.”

  “Come on, Elora, you know how much I like you already. Besides, it really makes me happy to see Mikkel so relaxed and content. I’m not kidding when I tell you that I can’t recall him ever acting like this with a woman. I see how he treats you, how he watches you. You’re a treasure to him. It’s really fucking nice. I love my cousin, just saying.”