Page 11 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“Lovely to meet you, Lady Isabella. Are you here on holiday?” Patrice asked, taking in Isabella’s gym clothing.

“Please, Isabella is fine,” Isabella said, laughing. The look of pure displeasure she shot Christian, making his heart sore. “I live here, in Chiang Mai. I run a wellness retreat just outside the city. We also run classes at the hotel. I just finished teaching a yoga class when I ran into Christian.”

Christian’s attention locked on Isabella as she talked to Patrice.

“Oh, how lovely? What a small world. Did you say you teach yoga? I love yoga.” Patrice’s hand shot out to Henri’s in excitement. “Will you be teaching any more classes? I’d love to catch one while we’re here.”

Isabella gave her a genuine smile. “I won’t be tomorrow. I have classes booked at The Retreat. However, one of our practitioners will take the sunrise class tomorrow. You’re welcome to join a class at The Retreat if it’s too early.”

Christian turned to see Henri watching him, his eyes alight with mirth.

Henri’s gaze moved from Christian to Isabella. “Isabella, will you be joining us this evening?”

“Er...” Isabella’s eyes flashed to Christian’s.

“I’m sure Patrice would love to have some female company. Christian and I get caught up talking business when we get together,” Henri added.

The sly old dog, Christian thought.

Christian’s heart sped up as Isabella’s cheeks flamed with colour, her gaze never leaving his.

“Fabulous idea, Henri. What do you say, Isabella? Are you free to join us for dinner this evening?” Patrice linked her arm through Isabella’s as if they were old friends. “We can have a delicious meal while you tell me about the area and The Retreat. I plan to do some sightseeing while Henri is working.”

Isabella’s eyes widened, shooting Christian a silent question. He smiled, ashamed he’d not thought of it himself.

“Isabella, are you free to join us for dinner this evening? If you are, we would love the pleasure of your company,” he said. “We can continue our catch up, it’s been too long.”

“As long as I’m not imposing,” Isabella said, turning her attention back to Patrice. “That would be lovely. Thank you. I can definitely give you some pointers as to the places you should visit. I can also help with organising them if you would like. With my business, I know a lot of the tour guides and companies.”

“Fantastic,” Patrice added, her delight clear. “Shall we say pre-dinner drinks at seven-thirty?” Patrice looked at her watch, shooting them all a look of apology. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Isabella. I must go as I promised our children I would call when we arrived. You would think they were the parents now they’re in their twenties.” Patrice laughed as she rolled her eyes. “See you later, Christian.” Turning to Henri, she raised herself up and dropped a kiss on his lips, his hand dropping to her waist. “I’m going to go to our room, darling. I’ll see you later.”

Henri stroked a finger down his wife’s nose, giving her a smile that screamed at the love the two of them shared.

Christian envied them, their relationship, and their closeness. They’d been together for over thirty years. Their relationship was the strongest Christian had ever seen. Something he had briefly touched before it had been cruelly ripped away.

Christian watched as Patrice gave Isabella’s arm one last squeeze before she turned away. Her twinkling eyes locked with his, letting him know she was far from innocent in her administrations for that evening. Christian smiled back and raised an eyebrow. It was clear his friends were trying to match-make, not for the first or the last time.

They all stopped as Patrice walked away.

“I hope my wife and I have not inconvenienced you?” Henri said, waiting until Patrice was gone to speak. “My wife is...”

“A force to be reckoned with,” Christian added dryly, “It’s a shame she refuses to work with us.”

Henri smiled, his lips lifting at the edges. “It is.”

Christian watched as Isabella looked between them. He saw the moment she decided she wanted to be part of that evening, as her body relaxed. With a smile, she added, “I’m looking forward to it. Thank you for inviting me.” Glancing at her watch. “I’d better be getting back to The Retreat. I must be there to greet our guests upon their return. It was lovely meeting you, Henri.”

Isabella lay a hand on Christian’s arm, tiny shock waves rippling from where they touched. “It was great seeing you again, Christian. Until this evening.”

Christian watched as Isabella headed towards the entrance.

“You’re welcome,” Henri said, clapping him on the back. “She’s exquisite, my friend.”

“It’s nothing like that. She was my neighbour... my little sister’s best friend,” Christian said, knowing he was protesting too much. He dragged his gaze away from Isabella’s retreating figure and returned his attention to Henri.

“Whatever you say,” Henri said, laughing.

Christian scowled at Henri’s smug smile, making him laugh even louder. “Come on. Let’s grab some breakfast before we head into the office.”

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