Page 119 of Until You (Forgive Me)

It seemed like all Christian’s friends were in on their escapades.

“Henri and Patrice are waiting on an update in New York. Star didn’t dare tell Skylar in case she spilled the beans to Christian... but yes, pretty much everyone, other than Christian, knows you’re on your way back,” Scarlett said, laughing as Isabella grimaced.

There were definitely a lot of people invested in her love life. Somehow, it didn’t surprise her. They all loved Christian. It had been obvious when she’d first arrived. She didn’t think Christian realised how much everyone cared. With all the planning, it was clear his friends wanted him to have his ownhappily ever after.

“Come on, let’s get you to Christian’s,” Scarlett said, unable to keep the excitement out of her voice.

“He’s going to have left for the office.”

Isabella looked at the clock on the dashboard, her heart sinking.

“Sebastian may have requested a breakfast meeting at Christian’s apartment. He will be waiting for him to turn up.” Scarlett grinned as she turned in her seat, having calledshotgunas they reached the car.

“Remind me never to...” Isabella bit her lip. “You two are lethal together... devious doesn’t even come into it.”

Isabella couldn’t retain her laughter when they both thanked her at the same time.

It was then the phone system rang, Christian’s name flashing up on the screen.

“Shhh,” Seb said as he connected the call.

“I thought we had a meeting?”

Isabella’s stomach fluttered at the sound of Christian’s voice.

“We do... I’m currently stuck in traffic,” Seb replied smoothly.

“Seb, you live around the corner... it was why we were having the meeting at my apartment rather than at the office.”

Seb’s eyes widened in panic before he smiled. “I got lucky last night... a mammoth session. I fell asleep. Woke up late.”

There was silence on the other end of the phone. Isabella could sense Christian’s shock at Seb’s words. It was clearly not Seb’s M.O.

“Just get here as soon as you can. I have another meeting at ten before my flight.”

The phone disconnected.

Isabella’s eyes flicked between Scarlett and Seb. Her best friend was looking out of the window, her demeanour remarkably quiet. Seb kept shooting her sideways glances. Were they holding out on her? Was something going on? Isabella shook her head, her thoughts returning once again to Christian. She had missed him so much, it physically hurt.

“Mr McCarthy, does this car go any faster?” Isabella teased. “I have somewhere I need to be.”

Seb grinned in the rear-view mirror. “At your service, Ma’am,” he said before turning out of the main traffic and taking the side roads.

Isabella couldn’t contain her grin.

Twenty minutes later, Seb pulled into Christian’s underground parking garage.

They all got out of the car, Sebastian lifting her case out and wheeling it to the elevator.

Scarlett pulled her in for a final hug, before pressing a keycard into her hand.

“Here. I’ll need it back when you get yours.”

Isabella squeezed her back. “I’ll see you later... sooner, if he decides I shouldn’t be here.”

Seb returned and grinned. “Never gonna happen… that flight Christian mentioned... that’s him coming to get you.”

Isabella’s heart stopped, her eyes filling. “Thank you... I needed to hear that.”

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