Page 107 of The Love Position

‘Thank goodness.’

‘Yeah. I’ve never been here when there’s been a hurricane before, but I know how bad it can get.’

Panic squeezed her throat.

Rushing forward, Isaac took Sophia’s clammy hand. ‘It’s going to be fine, love. The islanders know what to do.’

She nodded uncertainly.

Taking her in his arms, he kissed the top of her head. ‘I’m not going to let anything happen to you, I promise. Everything’s going to be okay.’

Sophia gripped Isaac’s hand as the taxi drove slowly along the road, buffeted by the wind.

‘Not far now!’ Benjamin called over his shoulder.

There were still people outside, busy nailing boards across the windows of their houses.

Sophia’s mouth was dry, her heart thumping against her ribcage. She was trying not to let Isaac know just how terrified she was, but he seemed fully aware, letting her squeeze the life out of his hand without complaint.

‘The place is run by Margo and Anton,’ Benjamin continued. ‘Lovely people.’

He brought the car to a halt outside a large, two-storey house with a wraparound balcony on the first floor, then got out to open the door for Sophia.

The rain lashed at her skin like gravel flung by a petulant god, and she grabbed Benjamin’s arm to stop herself from being blown over.

A large woman in her fifties bustled out of the house, her beaming smile at odds with the angry weather.

‘Welcome, welcome! I’m Margo.’

‘I’m Sophia, and this is my boyfriend, Isaac.’

‘Nice to meet you both. Let’s get you inside.’

Isaac pressed money into Benjamin’s hand, thanking him profusely, then took Sophia’s free arm and helped her into the house. Her knee was healing, but it still hurt putting weight on it, and the wind was making her even more unsteady.

Standing in the entrance hall, delicious smells percolated from elsewhere in the house.

‘I’m afraid you’ve got the smallest room,’ Margo said. ‘We rarely let it out to couples because of the size, but you’re in a bit of a spot right now.’

‘We’re so grateful. Thank you,’ Isaac replied. ‘Can I help with any of the storm prep?’

Margo hesitated, then nodded. ‘That would be appreciated. I’m busy cooking in case the power goes out.’

‘What can I do?’

‘Anton’s outside, boarding up the windows. If you could help him, I’ll get this lovely lady to your room. You can borrow dry clothes from Anton when you’re done.’

Isaac gazed at Sophia. ‘You okay?’

She nodded, even as her tummy tightened with nerves. The storm sounded as if it was trying to blow the house down.

He brushed a kiss across her cheek, then left.

‘What a handsome young man you’ve got there,’ Margo said with a grin. ‘Now come with me. Your room is on the ground floor, so there are no stairs to worry about.’

She led Sophia down a corridor. ‘There’s a shower room attached and plenty of towels. If you want to freshen up, I suggest you do it now in case we lose electricity.’

Opening a door, she gestured for Sophia to go in. ‘I’ll go get you some dry clothes.’

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