“I love Västervik, and I feel very much at home here,” he said about the filming. He glanced over at Nora. “Almosttoomuch.” The look he gave her made her heart flip. The whole audience turned to her; they clearly understood the point he was making, because everyone laughed. What had she missed? She had made both the filming and his life in Västervik pure hell. Yes, things had been a little more pleasant recently, and there had been the odd touch now and again, maybe a look here and there, but nothing on the level he was insinuating. Was this some new message for the cameras?
“And tomorrow is the grand reopening of the patisserie,” he went on. “Newly renovated, and with lots of delicious baked goods, needless to say. We look forward to seeing you all there.”
A long line formed in front of the table where Henrik was signing copies of his book. When there weren’t too many people left, Nora bought a copy and joined the line. When it was her turn, Henrik glanced up in surprise. “You didn’t pay for that, did you?”
“I spent the very last of my hard-earned cash on it,” she replied, holding it out with a smile.
Henrik wrote something. She took it back and read:To Nora, wishing you many happy hours with this book. Hopefully together with me. Henrik
She looked at him, and he met her gaze with a smile, which made her heart race. What was going on? And why was she reacting like this?
There were people waiting behind her, and she stepped aside. Read the dedication again.Hopefully together with me.He hated her,and the feeling was mutual. She couldn’t help it if she thought he was good-looking.
When the signing was over, Henrik got up and mingled with the guests. He tried the canapés, and she watched as he picked up one of her gingerbread cookies and took a bite. He chewed slowly, then looked surprised. He took another bite.
She smiled to herself as she went over to him. “So what do you think?”
“It tastes like my gingerbread cookies, and yet not.”
“A little better, perhaps?”
Yet another bite, followed by a smile. “Okay, I admit it—a little better.” Nora realized that she had rarely seen him smile. Not like this, straight at her. Her heart flipped again and she inhaled sharply.
“What did you do?” he asked when he’d finished the cookie.
“I toasted the spices and added a pinch of allspice.”
“Delicious.” Another smile. “Did you miss me while I was away?”
“I’m not sure if you can miss an irritating mosquito.”
He laughed. “Is that how you see me?”
“Maybe more like an angry wasp. But I know you can be quite nice when you want to make the effort.”
He gave a brief nod. “Thanks. I think. And right back at you.”
So was it possible for the two of them to be nice to each other?
She cleared her throat. She hated having to bring this up, but she had no choice. “This evening has helped my financial situation, and I’m very grateful for that, but I still don’t know how I’m going to survive until ...”
“I told you not to worry—I still have a couple of days to fix things, don’t I?”
She nodded, then sighed. “I don’t know, maybe I ought to say something to the producer. It doesn’t feel right to keep quiet.”
“Like I said, don’t worry—I’ll speak to Elnaz. I have a plan, but I have to get a couple of things in place before I bring it up with them. Then I promise I’ll tell you everything.”
“Right now I’m not sure I can last the week,” she said quietly, leaning closer to him. “My accountant advised me to close before my financial difficulties escalate further.”
“Don’t do that. Trust me, okay?” His expression was serious.
“But I . . .”
And then he bent down and kissed her—in front of everyone, in front of the cameras. It was a long kiss. He pulled her close and she didn’t break free. The ground beneath her feet appeared to have given way, and her entire body was throbbing. She wanted that kiss to go on forever.
When he finally let go, she opened her eyes and stared at him.
“It was the only way to shut you up,” he said, then moved away to talk to an elderly couple. Nora glanced around; yes, the TV cameras were pointing straight at her.
