Heating the Sheets

​The question of how soon we move our characters from searing glances, hot make-out sessions, and frustrated teasing into the bedroom is a big one. I like to give my hero and heroine time to move beyond their attraction and discover what's on the inside of their love interest before I allow them to take things to the next level.

Of course, there are exceptions. My hero and heroine in Friends and Lovers both carried a silent torch for the other for fifteen years. I figured they'd waited long enough. They had a lot of pent up longing that needed to be unleashed. It was the right move. But in general, I really do want my characters to be interested in more than the pretty package. 

I've read a few books that seem to focus exclusively on the superficial attractions. They invariably disappoint me. These are supposed to be love stories, after all. There has to be more to recommend the hero than rock hard abs and a killer smile. I want characters to have substance too. I suppose this is why I read very little erotica. I prefer stories heavy on the romance with nookie thrown in, not the other way around.

It's funny, how much time I spend thinking about this subject. Will my characters go to her place or his, or maybe the nearest sturdy surface? Are they prepared or will they have to abort the mission when neither has a condom? How neat is the guy? Is his bedroom going to be littered with dirty clothes? Could his bedding be deemed a biohazard? 

For the most part, I try to adhere to the three date rule. That gives the couple time to move beyond the getting-to-know-you small talk and into deeper conversation. The second date is a nice place to intensify the physical attraction and introduce more touching and exploratory kissing. He might even make it to second base before one of them realizes they're moving a little too fast and pulls back. 

Independent reflection often follows a loaded scene like this. They both need to take stock, decide what they want, where they hope this might be going. Only then do I stand aside and let them pounce. By then, I understand these characters better too, Except now, they're calling the shots and I'm merely taking dictation. This is no longer my story. It’s become theirs.