‘One more thing. I found this in one of Agnar’s cupboards.’ Jack pulled the red wine from his pocket. ‘It’s not half bad.’

‘Thank you. You’ll find a bottle-opener in the lounge. My dad has a drinks cabinet in there.’

She disappeared into the kitchen and closed the door behind her. Jack was confused. There were no delicious smells coming from there. What on earth was she doing?

He walked into the lounge and looked around. A huge sofa in one corner, books everywhere, including the floor, and an old-fashioned cabinet with an array of bottles on top. He found the corkscrew easily enough. While he pulled up the cork, he looked around. Pictures on the wall showed Ninni and her parents – the nice-looking woman had to be her mother; the curls were the same. Most pictures were of Ninni and a variety of dogs.

He didn’t notice that she had come in until she spoke to him.

‘Here.’ She handed him a glass.

Jack filled up their glasses and put down the bottle. He smiled. ‘You look nice. I haven’t seen you in a dress before.’

Ninni frowned. ‘Well, I thought I’d make an effort for a change.’

The dress suited her. She eyed him a bit suspiciously. ‘What?’

Jack shook his head. ‘Nothing. I’m just happy to be here.’

Ninni sipped the wine and frowned. ‘So, this is not quite half decent? Are you sure this isn’t one of Agnar’s homemade brews?’

‘It has a proper label, from a vineyard in France.’ But it was far from great. ‘Maybe I will use it for sauce next time.’

‘Good thing I didn’t invite you for the wine,’ Ninni said. She put down her glass and looked at him.

Jack did the same. He smiled. ‘So, why did you invite me?’

She had a determined look on her face when she got closer.

Ninni figured the best way to approach the evening was to get the whole thing over and done with before dinner. That way, they would quickly find out if it was worth the effort.

‘Stand still,’ she said.

Jack grinned. ‘What are you up to?’

She put her hands on his waist and slid them under his T-shirt. ‘I’m seducing you. You can say stop, if you want to.’

Jack had no such ideas.

***

Ninni picked his T-shirt up off the floor and pulled it on. ‘I’m starving,’ she said.

Jack admired her shape. ‘And what am I supposed to wear?’

‘I don’t know. You look good naked, by the way.’ Ninni smiled.

‘Ah, so do you.’ He leaned over the couch and picked up his shorts. ‘Do you know that nobody on this island knocks on doors before entering?’

‘Yes, I suppose they don’t.’

Ninni disappeared into the kitchen and Jack followed.

‘What’s for supper?’ he asked, looking around the kitchen and not seeing any evidence of food.

‘I hope you weren’t expecting too much,’ she said and handed him a bowl of remoulade.