‘Well, I suppose I am really. You have to be, down the market. The women love it, especially the old girls, and they become regular customers. Tell you what, how about I be cheeky now and kiss you …’

Sarah had no time to answer and found herself tingling to the feel of Roger’s tongue in her mouth. He pulled her closer to him and his kisses became more passionate as his breathing intensified.

‘I want you, Sarah,’ he said huskily and pushed his hand in between her legs, forcing them slightly apart.

She could feel his hand rubbing on the outside of her knickers, and though it thrilled her, she grabbed his wrist and pulled him away. ‘Not here … not like this,’ she whispered.

‘Let’s go inside then. Tommy will be out for the count by now.’

Sarah froze. His suggestion brought back terrible memories of pretending to be asleep while her mother had entertained men. The grunts, the groans and the smells, it had been disgusting. She jumped to her feet and straightened her clothes. ‘You’d better go now,’ she said coldly and dismissively. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow.’

Roger looked bewildered, but shrugged his shoulders. ‘Suit yourself,’ he said, then spun on his heel and stomped off towards his van.

‘Wait,’ Sarah shouted, then ran towards him. She stood on tiptoe and placed her mouth on his. After a long kiss she pulled away and said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m just tired. It’s been a long day and I think Tommy has got a fever.’

Roger gave her a gentle squeeze. ‘I’ve been waiting weeks for you, and I’ll wait longer if I have to, but please tell me you ain’t going to hold out on me until our wedding night?’

They’d never discussed sex before or anything related to marriage, so Sarah was staggered at his question. She hadn’t really given it much thought, but she loved him and he’d said he loved her too. Regardless of the advice her mother had given her, if they were getting married, what would be the harm? ‘Are you going to marry me then?’ she said.

‘I might,’ Roger answered playfully. ‘Depends if you’re going to be my proper girlfriend.’

Sarah understood what he meant and shyly nodded. ‘I will be. Goodnight, my proper boyfriend.’