Chapter 9 – Bryn
Chapter Nine
Bryn
T he last four days were supposed to be the longest, and most torturous days of my life. Instead, they are now imprinted on my brain as some of the best days I’ve had in my adult life.
Time was Henrik wasn’t supposed to be life altering but it was. I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard or smiled so genuinely. There’s something about him that seems to bring out a part of me that I thought was long dead under the scrutiny of the blinding Hollywood lights.
We’ve drank good wine, sat out under the stars when the rain finally stopped on day three, and practiced our scenes together so often that they feel like second nature. For a newbie to acting he sure has a ton of talent.
And now, as the sun rises on day four of us being in this, I don’t want to leave, but know we have to. Shaking my head as I pack the last of my toiletries, I’m amazed that I’m not dashing for the door.
I’m grateful for the time Henrik and I were forced to spend together. Without Cameron’s meddling, I’d never have given Henrik a chance to explain what happened all those years ago. I would have held that rage and resentment in my chest for the rest of my life.
Now, when I think of him, something else burns in my chest.
“You need help with anything?” he asks, walking into the room holding three bottles of wine.
“No, thanks. What are you doing with those?”
“Taking them back with us. This brand was awesome,” he wags his eyebrows at me, making me remember that we opened that bottle and then made out like teenagers for an hour afterward. “I want to remember the name.”
“You could take an empty bottle,” I remarked with a laugh.
“Where’s the fun in that?”
“Can’t fight that logic.” He places the bottles in his bag and then comes around the bed to give me a kiss on the side of my lips. His easy intimacy leaves my body tingling from where he’s touched me.
It’s on the tip of my lips to ask him what’s happening between us. I know the new level of comfort and attraction we’d developed for one another is new, and I’m still aware the public believes we’re dating.
But are we?
For real?
Or is what I feel for Henrik a desire that will fade as soon as we enter the real world again. When we leave our bubble of happiness and isolation what will happen to us?
I’m a coward. I can’t make myself form the words and voice my questions. I don’t want to come off needy when only days ago I couldn’t wait to be out of his presence. Oh God, I’m a mess.
“Car should be down at the bend in about fifteen minutes. Let me know when you’re done here and I’ll help with your bags.”
I nod, speeding up my packing process because I’m nowhere near finished. The minutes fly by and the next thing I know, I’m standing at the open door, giving the cabin one long last look.
“Don’t worry Princess, we’ll be back.” I give him a sad nod, closing the door one final time. Henrik grabs my hand, surprising me with the gesture, but I hold on tight. The trek down to the car is an easy walk this time since there’s no rain pelting us.
Henrik has piled our bags together at the end of the path and I can see the driver placing them in the trunk as we make our way to him. Thanking Henrik for opening my door, I slide into the cool interior of the car and settle in for the long drive back to Vancouver.
When Henrik’s beside me again, all the questions that have been circling in my head finally spill out. I can’t take the not knowing.
“Henrik,” I begin, but stop when he takes my hand and gives it a lingering kiss. My heart beats faster in my chest.
“There’s paparazzi on the edge of the forest path.” It takes me a moment to understand what he’s saying. When it finally hits me, I feel like I’ve been sucker punched in the gut.
He’s faking his affection. And here I was thinking it was real.
Wow, the student out acts the teacher. He’s good, really good.
Forcing a smile on my face, I give him a nod and continue pretending that my heart isn’t cracking in my chest.
I guess I got my answer though. We’re still faking it till we make it to premiere night.
Too bad that my feelings for Henrik are all too real now.