Page 161 of The Love Position

Isaac did, warmth filling his chest.

‘It’s all thanks to you, you know.’

He shook his head. Sophia had said the same thing to him, multiple times, but he wanted no credit.

‘It’s all her. I’m just along for the ride.’

‘Maybe, but she wouldn’t have had the courage to do any of this before meeting you. You’ve brought her out of herself. Given her room to breathe and space to shine.’

Isaac’s throat tightened. At the start of the previous year, Sophia wouldn’t have said boo to a goose. Now she was out front and in charge, channelling Boudica in her own unique way.

‘And want to know something else?’

Isaac raised an eyebrow. Maggie looked like a naughty schoolgirl with an enormous secret she was bursting to share.

‘News has got out about the TV show Sophia’s going to do, and that twatmuffin, Marcus, is spitting blood about it.’

‘He’s not going to cause any trouble, is he?’

‘Nah, no-one takes him seriously anymore. He’s been blacklisted by production companies, and can’t get another job. He’s just sounding off on forums filled with disgruntled men who still live with their parents and can’t get laid.’

‘Good.’

Isaac never mentioned Marcus to Sophia, but Maggie had filled him in on what her ex had been up to after being released from prison. Isaac was relieved to know he wouldn’t be hassling her, nor the TV companies who’d passed on working with him, yet were actively courting Sophia.

‘You think we’ve got another five mins before they finish?’ Maggie asked.

Isaac glanced at the throng of journalists. James was standing next to Sophia, one hand raised to keep the crowd quiet, the other pointing at the next person who was allowed to ask his sister a question.

‘I think so. Did you bring it?’

‘Yep. It’s in the boot of my car. Come on, we can transfer it to yours now and she’ll be none the wiser.’

Sophia’s eyes were closed, her lips curled into a contented smile as Isaac drove them home.

‘Tired?’

As if on cue, she yawned, then giggled and glanced at him. ‘Exhausted. It’s been a really long day.’

‘We’re nearly home.’

She nodded. ‘Good. I’m just about ready for bed.’ She let out a happy sigh. ‘I actually really enjoyed myself.’

‘I’m glad. You were incredible.’

Reaching across the centre console, Sophia squeezed his thigh. ‘All thanks to you.’

‘Rubbish. You’re the expert, not me.’

Was this the right segue into telling her what was in the boot? Isaac’s hands gripped the steering wheel tighter and he took a steadying breath.

‘Did I tell you the editor from that big publishing company was there?’ Sophia asked, interrupting his thoughts.

‘No. What did they say?’

‘They definitely want me to write a book about the find.’

He shot her a quick glance. ‘That’s brilliant!’

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