Queen of my Heart

28 ⚠

SANDER'S FLAT WAS NEAT.

Not that you needed to know about it. Anyway, Sander dragged me off with him when the café closed, and I had to keep my eyes on the floor so I won't catch Shiela's accusatory gaze.

I didn't have anything to be guilty for before, but now . . .

Sander was in the kitchen. “You want something to drink?”

I shook my head, silently surveying the entirety of the room. “No, thanks.”

His place was bare, save from some picture frames on the wooden table against the wall. There was a girl who looked like him, with blonde hair and bright gray eyes. Beside her was a young version of her brother, smiling from ear to ear.

My heart ached. You could tell they really loved each other.

“She's beautiful, isn't she?” he said from behind me.

I nodded, putting the picture down. I whirled around to face him. “You still talk to her?”

He nodded. “Yeah, every weekend.”

There was silence as we stood there, staring at each other. There was tension so palpable that you could practically cut it with a knife. My heart was beating so hard, I thought I was palpitating.

I could feel it—something will definitely happen tonight.

“You can take a shower,” he said at last. “Come on.”

I followed as he walked to his room. That, too, was flawless. There was a shelf against the wall full of medals and trophies. The bed was made and could fit at least five people.

He was searching through his closet.

“I didn't know you play chess,” I commented as I looked at a particular medal.

He walked up to me. “I stopped for the last two years.” He handed me a shirt and a . . . boxer shorts.

“Why?”

He shook his head. “I moved here and built my business. Bathroom's across.” He pointed at his door.

“Thanks. How very American of you.” I practically ran to the loo, but I could hear his chuckle behind me.

I closed the door and let out a breath. I was bloody nervous. I didn't know what I was doing, but I could feel it . . . This was where I was supposed to be. I needed experience, and Sander was the best bloke to choose.

And besides, it didn't hurt that he was handsome and kind.

So I stripped off all my clothes and splashed water on my face. This is it, I told my reflection. This night won't end with me a virgin.

I glanced at the shirt Sander gave me. And then the boxer shorts.

I ran the shower.

• • •

When I entered Sander's room, he was lying on his bed. Naked except for a pair of boxer shorts.

He got up upon seeing me, and I had to stop myself from drooling as his muscles flexed at every move he made.

We stood toe-to-toe. “You had a shower?” he asked, his lips curling with amusement.

I couldn't meet his eyes. “Yeah.” Good thing I found a hair blower under the sink, or I'd be a dripping mess in front of him.