‘Thank you for the best birthday.’
‘It was all Sophia’s doing.’
‘I know—I was thanking her.’ And then she laughed and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Turned to give one to Sophia too. Then she lay back and they all stared up at the sky, absorbing the natural beauty Earth had to offer and forgetting how imperfect life could be.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
‘I’M READY!’
Lily’s call came from her bedroom just as Jack entered the living area with a glass of wine for her. It was their last night in Iceland and they were back in the hotel suite Jack had booked for the first night. Tomorrow they would be back in the UK and then...and then what?
She smiled to hide her worry and took it from him. ‘Thanks.’
‘I’ll go and get her settled, won’t be long.’
She nodded and watched him go, her thoughts no less troubled. They hadn’t discussed the future, and Sophia still didn’t feel ready to confuse Lily’s birthday trip with it. But everything he did, everything he said—it all indicated that he was starting to feel the same.
And the more time she spent with him, the more they shared, the more I love you threatened to erupt.
Here’s your food, Sophia.
I love you.
Here’s your drink, Sophia.
I love you.
I’ll get the door, Sophia.
I love you.
She shook her head at her own madness and settled into the couch, enjoying the soothing quality of the wine and the warming fire.
‘Hey, Sophia.’ He leaned his head around the corner. ‘She’s asking for you too.’
He gave an apologetic smile and she grinned back, unfolding herself from the sofa and leaving her glass on the table as she joined him.
‘It’s no problem. I’d like to anyway.’ She moved to walk past him and he reached out, his hand gentle on her arm to stop her.
‘Sophia?’
‘Yes.’ She looked up into the warmth in his gaze and felt it again, ever more pressing, ever more urgent... I love you.
‘Please stay tonight—with us, with me?’
Her heart squeezed in her chest, her body stiffened. ‘I...’ The refusal died on her lips. She didn’t want to leave.
‘Please?’ He pressed again and she felt her shoulders ease, her heart too. It was what she wanted.
‘Yes.’
He pulled her to him, the heat of his body permeating
their jumpers, his scent assailing her senses. ‘You will?’ he rasped.
She nodded, her eyes falling to his lips, and then he kissed her and any remaining doubt ebbed away on a flurry of heat and happiness.
He broke away too soon for her body’s liking. ‘Sorry, I just had to do that.’