Page 79 of Isabella and the Slipper

Chase walked to her wall, where the paintings were lined up. He pointed to the wildflower one. “That’s fantastic. Why doesn’t your stepmother sell these in the gallery? They’d bring in a lot of money.”

“She keeps saying I’m almost there. That I need to improve a little more before they are ready. I think it’s one more way for her to torture me.”

Isabella tried not to get emotional. Elenore wasn’t worth it.

“You’re more than there. You’re brilliant.” He flipped through more paintings. “You could sell these for more than a thousand each.”

Even though Chase wasn’t an expert in the art world, she appreciated the sentiment and warmed from the compliment.

He looked through her paintings, whistling when he came to one he particularly liked. When he was done, he took her hands.

“I’d better get going. Thank you for showing me your beautiful artwork. Someday, you’ll be just as famous as your father.”

Her heart pounded as he pulled her closer for a goodnight kiss. His kisses always made her knees weak, and her pulse race.

“Good night,” she said after he broke away.

The door handle wiggled, and a pounding sounded. “Isabella!”

Fear jumped into her throat. “Quick!” She shoved him toward the glass doors. He slipped outside and down the side of the house before she could say anything else. She waited a moment before unlocking her door.

Delilah stood there, her arms folded, a murderous look on her face. “Who were you talking to?”

Isabella swallowed. “No one. I was just talking to myself.”

Shoving past her, Delilah darted around the room. “I heard a man’s voice.”

“Well, then where is he?”

Delilah searched the closet and then entered the bathroom. “You had a guy in here. I know it.” She opened the sliding doors and walked out on the balcony. She peered over the edge.

“What, you think he jumped?”

Delilah glared at her. “I don’t know where he went. But you’re going to be in trouble when I tell Mom.” She stomped out of the room, slamming the door.

Isabella tried to calm her racing heart.

That was close. Too close. She had to be more careful.

Chapter 25

The next day at school, Chase came up behind her in the hallway. “Hey.”

She turned to face him. A smile formed on her lips, despite the close call last night. “How are you?”

“That’s what I wanted to ask you. Did you get into trouble?” His gaze landed on her arm, where the bruises had healed.

“No. Delilah thought she heard a guy in my room, but she didn’t find anything.”

“I’m a fast climber.” He grinned.

“Maybe we should cool things for a while,” Isabella said. When she saw the look on his face, she added, “Just until Delilah’s convinced I’m not sneaking guys into my bedroom.”

He reached for her hand but she pulled it back, afraid Delilah would come walking around the corner. He frowned. “I won’t come near your house. Just meet me tonight in the park.”

She hesitated, afraid to say yes. “I don’t know.”

“Please?” He gave her his movie-star smile.

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