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My eyes widened. ‘It’s your exhibit?’ I guessed, thrilled.
He nodded with a smile. ‘My agent thinks it’s about time for another one.’
‘I wholeheartedly agree.’
He mock-winced. ‘I hope the two of you never meet. My life would become unbearable.’
‘It’s because we both believe in you. Your work is magic.’
He leaned down, his lips brushing my earlobe and making me shiver. ‘That’s what you keep
insisting in the bedroom. And I might just start to believe you,min elskerinde.’
I was laughing when we walked into the first, largest room.
My laughter died, my senses overtaken by a different sort of pleasure.
The space was filled with Jensen’s work, starting from the first time he’d picked up a camera to his latest project, which happened to be mine. The whole place was hushed, the guests admiring his work in reverent silence.
We walked slowly through the gallery, stopping every now and then when a guest stopped him to
congratulate him or express their wonder at his talents. He accepted accolades with a simple nod and smile, but as we drew closer to the end of the exhibit, he grew apprehensive.
‘Something wrong?’
He flashed a smile. ‘I hope not.’
About to ask what he meant, I held my tongue as his mother, stepfather and sister approached. His
mother was smiling, her smile a little tearful as she addressed her son. Dag simply beamed, the proud father.
After a quick exchange in Danish, Agnetha turned to me. ‘Your lovely presents arrived this
morning, Graciela. Thank you so much, but you really shouldn’t have. You’ve given me the best
Christmas present.’ Her gaze veered to her son, fresh tears filming her eyes.
Tears clogging my own throat, I waved her away. I’d woken a slightly disgruntled Elsa and had her
raid the emergency presents stash I kept in the office. Agnetha’s scarf, Dag’s vintage bottle of red, and Merete’s crystal bracelet had been hand-delivered this morning, along with Christmas cards and a
present for Mikkel.
‘Excuse us, please,’ Jensen said to his family, then smoothly led me down a short, darkened
hallway.
‘Where are we going?’ I asked, excitement mixing with a touch of anxiety.
‘You’ll see,’ was all he said.
I was learning that in some things Jensen was immovable. He was mine to command and cherish in
the bedroom. But it was equally fulfilling for both of us for the reins to slacken a touch. It was all the more rewarding and thrilling when I pulled them back and took control.
I watched him grow more tense as we approached a set of double doors. With one last, furtive look
at me, he threw them open.