Page 111 of The Love Position

‘After you.’

The air in the room was thick with anticipation, but it appeared they’d reverted to being the most British versions of themselves, politely tiptoeing around each other and the very large elephant in the room currently disguised as a double bed.

Sophia used the bathroom, then stood in the small gap between the edge of the bed and the far wall as Isaac had his turn.

When he came out, he hovered on the other side of the room. ‘Are you happy with that side of the bed?’

She nodded. ‘Margo has left extra blankets in the chest of drawers, in case we need them.’

Now he nodded. Was he as nervous as she was?

Come on! ‘Do you want to have sex with me?’

The candlelight cut across his cheekbones, heightening the flush.

‘Do you want to have sex with me?’ he asked, his voice low.

‘You first.’

He swallowed. ‘Yes, I do. It’s just—’ He broke off, his gaze searing into hers as he took a breath. ‘I didn’t think this would happen for a couple of weeks and I’m nervous.’

‘So am I.’

‘I haven’t slept with anyone for twelve years.’

‘And I’ve only slept with one person before.’

Silence.

Isaac took a deep breath. ‘I don’t have a condom.’

‘Me neither, but it doesn’t matter.’

His eyes widened.

‘I’ve got an IUD fitted, and after I broke up with Marcus, I got tested, and everything was okay.’

‘I, er, got tested after my last relationship, too.’

‘So then, we’re good to go?’

He nodded, but remained stock still, as if unsure of what to do next.

Despite knowing Isaac was way more sexually experienced than her, Sophia knew it was up to her to make the first move.

Pulling her dress up and off over her head, she dropped it at the end of the bed.

19

Blood roared inside Isaac’s head and his mouth ran dry as he gazed at Sophia. The flickering light from the candles caressed her skin, burnishing it to gold.

He couldn’t think. Couldn’t act. All he could do was stare in wonderment, his heart tripping over itself.

‘The underwear is what you bought me,’ she said shyly. ‘Do you like it?’

Get yourself together!

He nodded. ‘I love you.’

---